Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis (so called from its supposed connection with the hypochondriac regions of the Abdomen, q.v.), a disease characterised by extreme increase of sensibility, palpitations, morbid feelings that simulate the greater part of diseases, exaggerated uneasiness and anxiety, chiefly in what concerns the health, &c. In extreme cases it becomes a species of melancholia. The disease is intimately connected with, if not caused by, disorder of the digestive functions. See INDIGESTION, INSANITY.