ALL in the Mind?

So you’re feeling ill… again. You check your home-doctor book, then consider popping down to the surgery. But you only saw your doctor last week… and he told you then that it was nothing to worry about. But what if he’s missed something – what if your headache/ backache/swollen ear lobe is a symptom of something much, much worse? Perhaps another visit to the doctor wouldn’t be such a bad idea…

If you find yourself thinking along these lines – even occasionally – you run the risk of becoming a hypochondriac.

Hypochondriasis (a morbid condition characterized by excessive anxiety with regard to health) is becoming more and more common. In fact, the problem has become so widespread that the NHS has been known to fund therapy courses for hypochondriacs.

But before you rush to your GP for further information, check out our personality and lifestyle test, to discover whether you really are a hypochondriac, and if you are, what you can do about it.

1. How often do you feel unwell?

a) Nearly all the time

b) Quite often

c) Sometimes

d) Never

2. When someone asks you how you are, how do you usually reply?

a) “Fine” (whether you’re fine or not)

b) “Not too good, actually…” (then launch into the details of your latest maladies)

c) “Oh, a bit tired/run-down/sniffly, but OK apart from that”

d) “Great” (but only if you are feeling great)

3. In the last 10 years, how many times have you consulted a medical specialist? (This doesn’t include your GP.)

a) None

b) More than six times

c) Once or twice

d) Between three and five times

4. How does your doctor treat you whenever you visit with what you consider to be a serious problem?

a) Reassuringly, as if you’re worrying over nothing

b) Seriously, as if he/she is very concerned about your well-being

c) Sceptically, as if he/she feels you might be exaggerating

d) Casually, as if your problem isn’t a particularly serious one

5. If a small red spot appeared between your toes, would you notice it?

a) Probably not

b) Not unless it was itchy or uncomfortable

c) Yes, immediately, even if it wasn’t painful

d) Eventually

6. How many medical books do you possess?

a) More than five

b) Three or four

c) One or two

d) None

7. How many of the following ailments have you heard of?

a) Glaucoma

b) Osteoporosis