HYPOCHONDRIASIS

(Yunanca köken — orijinale bakınız.) Uneasine about the region of the stomach and liver, or of the hypochondriac region, is one of the symptoms of this disease. Particular circumstances may induce this disorder in any individual; but it is most commonly met with in persons of sallow or pale complexions, ^are habit of bod}-, and dark hair and eyes. Its mental symptoms are low spirits, a groundle apprehension of evil, imaginary local sensations, and erroneous impre ions respecting the opinions and sentiments of others, with a tendency to misconstrue their actions; aversion to society; want of mental and bodily energy; seeing persons and things and hearing conversations and noises which are purely imaginary. The bodily symptoms are flatulency and all the other concomitants of indigestion, — costivene , dimne of sight, noises in the ears, want of appetite and sleep in most cases, in a few voracity and drowsine . As this disease is usually connected with imperfect action of the liver and debility of the stomach and bowels, mild aperients, small doses of calomel or bl ue pill, and tonics are to be prescribed; occasionally doses of more powerful purges, such as calomel and jalap, or scammony with salts and senna, must be resorted to where the bowels are foul and overloaded; and where there is much headach a blister to the neck, or the lo of a little blood by cupping, or from the arm, may be of service. The regularity of the circulation is often much disturbed, and it is generally nece ary to keep the feet warm. Change of scene and of occupation, cheerful society, moderate exercise of all kinds, and great kindne and attention on the part of the medical adviser, are generally among the e entials in the treatment of this diseased state. But every amusement and relaxation must be carefully proposed and pursued; and though it is generally nece ary firmly but gently to remonstrate against the whhns and caprices of hypochondriacs, yet sometimes they must be conceded to. When persons are full of evil forebodings and false alarms, it is sometimes well to induce them to keep a diary of their feelings, the perusal of which as they recover, or in their happier moments, is often comforting proof to them of the utter want of foundation of some of their most Inveterate notions. Persons who are very irritable and over-anxious, or who, after having been actively engaged in busine , retire to a life of case and idlene , who take no interest in study, amusement, or exercise; and those, again, who have kept bad hours, or who have led debauched lives, or who hare studied intensely, — are those in whom some of the worst forms of hypochondriasis occur. It is seldom, in the most aggravated cases of this disorder, that well-grounded hopes of recovery may not be held out, and that its recurrence may not be prevented by timely and firm treatment; but it it be allowed to run its course, it often ends in melancholy. 680 HYPOTHESIS. [s. 593]