Is the feeling of persistent sickness a symptom of a mental disorder?
Patient: my sister is always claiming to be sick with one thing or another. As soon as she solves one problem then another arises the same day. she talks about her health all day long and seems to love talking about it . I cant take it any more. Does she have a mental problem ? She goes to the dr all the time , at least every week. Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  Yes, she seems to be suffering from illness anxiety disorder or hypochondriasis. In it their is a persistent belief in the presence of at least one serious physical illness underlying the presenting symptoms, even after repeated investigations came negative they have persistent preoccupation with presumed deformity; along with this they persistently refusal to accept the advice and reassurance of several different doctors that there is no physical illness or abnormality underlying the symptoms. She needs to be shown to a psychiatric clinic.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.