hypochondriasis etymology

Etymology:

The word "hypochondriasis" derives from ancient Greek:

• "hypo" (ὑπό) meaning "under" or "beneath"
• "chondros" (χονδρός) meaning "cartilage"

Meaning:

Hypochondriasis is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive concern or bodily sensations that are perceived as symptoms of serious illness.

Origin:

The term "hypochondriasis" was first used in the late 18th century to describe a condition where people obsessively believed they had serious medical problems despite the absence of objective evidence. The name was given because the ancient Greeks believed that this condition was caused by an excess of "black bile" in the liver, which was thought to accumulate in the abdominal region beneath the cartilage of the ribs.

Modern Understanding:

Today, we understand that hypochondriasis is not caused by physical illness but rather by a combination of psychological and biological factors. People with hypochondriasis often have an exaggerated fear of illness and tend to interpret normal bodily sensations as symptoms of serious disease. They may repeatedly seek medical attention, engage in excessive health-related behaviors, and experience significant distress and impairment in their daily lives.

hypochondriasis relate terms

• hypochondria

  Etymology Greek ὑποχόνδριον hupokhondrion under the cartilage Mean

• hypo

  Etymology The word hypo comes from the Greek word hypo which means under or bel

• chondro

  Etymology From Ancient Greek khondrós χονδρός Meaning and Origin The Gr

• hypochondriasis

  Etymology The word hypochondriasis derives from ancient Greek hypo ὑπό mean

• hype

  Etymology First attested in English in the 1890s Shortened form of hyperbole which

• anxiety

  Etymology The word anxiety comes from the Latin word anxietas which means anxiety

• connoisseur

  Etymology French connoisseur Latin cognoscere to know to be acquainted with

• emotion

  Etymology The word emotion derives from the Latin word emovere which means to move

• profit

  Etymology The word profit comes from the Latin word profectus meaning progress or

• quantum

  Etymology The word quantum is derived from the Latin word quantus which means how m

• Rubicon

  Etymology The word Rubicon is derived from the Latin phrase rubico flumine which mea

• finance

  Etymology of Finance The word finance originates from the Old French word finer m

• abolish

  Etymology The word abolish comes from the Old French word aboliss or abolir which

• skill

  Etymology The word skill derives from the Old Norse word skil meaning discernment

• determination

  Etymology Latin determinare to mark off establish limits fix From de away o