A patient went to see his physician because of a rash on both hands for three days. He stated that he returned from a trip abroad and was seated next to a patient who was coughing and now he is sure that he has developed leprosy. When the physician examined the patient, he could not find anything wrong other than a fading rash. The physician made note of the patient's statements, and determined that this was an indication that he was a(n)

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A hypochondriac is a person who exaggerates the significance of symptoms. The person interprets some minor symptoms, such as a bruise or cough, as a sign of a serious disease and cannot believe a normal physical examination and reassurances by health care providers. The word breaks down into the suffix -iac meaning pertaining to, the prefix hypo- meaning below, and the root -chondr- meaning cartilage rib.

A Patient Went to See His Physician Because of a Rash