Somatoform Disorders

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the Psychiatrist

The counselor I saw about my hypochondria and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), scheduled an appointment for me with a psychiatrist who specializes in the disorder(s). After waiting for a very long time, I finally had the appointment!

I had decided that I wanted my shrink to be a woman, because I would feel more comfortable with her and sure enough, in January, I finally met my psychiatrist face to face. She was young, (I am middle aged), and from a spanish speaking country in South America. I found her to be rather strict the first time we met.

Hypochondria, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

I’ve tried to trace the roots of my hypochondria, but don’t really know if I hit the nail on the head, or if I ever will, or if it really matters. The fact is, I am a hypochondriac and it is taking a toll on me.

My Hypochondria - Part 1 - Presumed Origins

I used to think of hypochondria as something that people developed because they had too much time on their hands, were too imaginative, or just craved attention. Then I developed a full blown serious case of this disorder.

It was hard to admit that’s what I had, and it is still hard because like any mental disorder, it carries a certain stigma.

Hypochondria, My Struggle - Part 2

In Part 1 of this article, I speculated on the causes of my hypochondria. I traced the symptoms of anxiety back to the results of numerous breast procedures (which had positive outcomes).

Somatoform Disorder-It's All in Your Head...Or is it?

Ever heard the phrase, “It’s all in your head?” With somatoform disorders, this takes on a whole new meaning.