Sophie takes over 40 different vitamins and herbal remedies each day to keep herself in top physical health. Recently she had some severe dizziness, but her family doctor assured her that it was just a minor ear infection that would clear up in a few days. Sophie is concerned because she is sure the ear infection is the sign of something much more serious, such as a brain tumor, and she has made appointments with three different specialists to have more testing done. In this case, Sophie's symptoms are most consistent with

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Sophies's excessive worry about a minor symptom and her belief that it is a sign of a more serious condition is consistent with hypochondriasis, also known as illness anxiety disorder. Hypochondriasis is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive fear or worry about having a serious illness, despite no or minimal physical symptoms or medical evidence. People with hypochondriasis may excessively check their body, seek medical attention frequently, and have difficulty believing reassurance from doctors. Sophie's extensive use of vitamins and herbal remedies may also indicate excessive health anxiety and preoccupation with physical symptoms.

Sophie Takes Over 40 Different Vitamins and Herbal Remedies Each