A condition characterized by imagined sufferings of
physical illness or, more generally, an exaggerated concern with one's physical
health. The hypochondriac typically displays a preoccupation with bodily
functions, such as heart rate, sweating, bowel and bladder functions, and the
occasional minor problems like pimples, headaches, a simple cough, etc. All such
trivialities are interpreted as signs of symptoms of more serious diseases.
"Doctor shopping" is common; assurances of health are futile.