A recent study conducted in Sweden has found that individuals who constantly worry about developing a fatal disease are more likely to have a shorter lifespan compared to others. The study focused on individuals with hypochondriasis, an anxiety disorder characterized by an excessive fear of illness.
While it is common for people to have concerns about their health, those with hypochondriasis experience severe disruption in their daily lives due to anxiety and tend to interpret even minor bodily sensations as signs of illness. The researchers from the Karolinska Institutet followed 42,000 individuals, including 1,000 with hypochondriasis, over a span of two decades. The results revealed that individuals with this condition lived an average of five years less than those leading a normal life, with an average life expectancy of 70 years compared to 75 years.
It is worth noting that the average life expectancy in the United States is 76.4 years, according to the CDC. Furthermore, individuals with hypochondriasis were nearly four times more likely to die by suicide and had a higher risk of death from respiratory diseases such as flu and Covid, as well as circulatory or neurological problems.
The researchers emphasized that the link between hypochondriasis and early death could not be solely attributed to the fear of seeking medical help, as individuals with this condition often avoid going to the doctor due to their anxiety. Instead, they suggested that the constant state of worry experienced by these individuals, triggered by normal bodily sensations like sweating or bloating, leads to chronic stress, which is a known contributor to physical health issues.
Stress and anxiety can trigger the release of chemicals in the body that result in increased inflammation levels throughout the body. Long-term inflammation has been associated with various health problems, including a weakened immune system, making the body less capable of fighting infections and diseases.
Additionally, it is possible that the heightened awareness of illness in individuals with hypochondriasis is rooted in underlying health problems that may increase their risk of death.
The researchers also highlighted that individuals with hypochondriasis were not at a higher risk of death from cancer-related causes.
0 Comments