GC: n

S: http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/features/worried-sick-help-for-hypochondria (last access: 30 July 2015); http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypochondria/Pages/Introduction.aspx (last access: 30 July 2015).

N: 1. 1839, “illness without a specific cause,” earlier (1660s) “depression or melancholy without real cause,” earlier still (late 14c.) ipocondrie “upper abdomen,” from Late Latin hypochondria “the abdomen,” from Greek hypokhondria (neuter plural of hypokhondrios), from hypo- “under” + khondros “cartilage” (of the breastbone). Reflecting ancient belief that the viscera of the hypochondria were the seat of melancholy and the source of the vapors that caused such feelings.
2. If you have a preoccupying fear of having a serious illness you most likely suffer from hypochondria or hypochondriasis. A person with hypochondria continues thinking he is seriously ill despite appropriate medical evaluations and reassurances that his health is fine.
A person with hypochondria will think such normal bodily functions as heart beats, sweating and bowel movements are symptoms of a serious illness or condition.
3. Cultural Interrelation: We can mention A Condition of Doubt: The Meanings of Hypochondria (2012) by Catherine Belling.

S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=hypochondria (last access: 30 July 2015). 2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9983.php (last access: 30 July 2015). 3. http://www.amazon.com/Condition-Doubt-The-Meanings-Hypochondria/dp/0199892369 (last access: 17 April 2016).

SYN: hypochondriasis

S: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=18717 (last access: 30 July 2015)

CR: Cotard’s syndrome, hypochondriac, spleen.