The number of people diagnosed with swine flu is increasing with every passing day. A flu is already doing the rounds in Bangalore — enough to make people believe they are suffering from the contagious disease themselves.
Doctors observe cases where symptoms of a seasonal flu are suspected to be swine flu simply because an acquaintance has flown in from abroad with the sniffles. According to Dr Vikram Prabhu, psychologist, Sagar Apollo Hospital, attributing such small symptoms to a life-threatening disease can be a case of Hypochondrial Pre-occupation: “It is misinterpreted normal physiological stimuli. Hypochondriasis, on the other hand, is longstanding in nature, where the person is anxious for a long period of time and asks that he be tested repeatedly and checked by different doctors.”
According to Dr Prabhu, the symptoms include suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It has to do with a person’s biology, about being conditioned to think pessimistically. With the number of people contracting swine flu the world over, doctors admit there is fear among people. “People from all age groups, though forming a small percentage, do ask if it is a case of swine flu. This is more so if a relative or colleague has flown in from abroad,” says Dr Arvinda Jagadisha, general physician, BGS Global Hospitals, adding, “We have them undergo tests only if a fever does not subside.”
Treating Hypochondrial Pre-occupation involves reassuring the patient through counselling that there is nothing to worry about.
Dr Prabhu says medicines may be prescribed, however, to reduce anxiety. “When a patient sees that a doctor is giving them his attention, it is therapeutic in itself. The constant monitoring should help them a lot,” he adds. The doctor says it may take between weeks to months to confirm a case of hypochondriasis.
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