Is hypochondria considered a mental illness?

　　Hypochondriasis does not fall within the strict definition of psychosis. It mostly belongs to the category of neuroses or psychological disorders, with core symptoms including excessive worry about one's health, persistent suspicion of illness, and repeated seeking of reassurance—features clearly distinct from the core characteristics of psychosis such as cognitive disturbances and disordered thinking. If hypochondriac symptoms progressively worsen, significantly affect daily life, or are accompanied by extreme emotions, timely medical consultation is recommended.

　　The essence of hypochondriasis lies in psychological factors leading to emotional and cognitive bias. Although patients excessively focus on their health, they do not experience typical psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or thought fragmentation. Their self-awareness remains largely intact, and they can maintain a certain level of social functioning.

　　Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are characterized by severe brain dysfunction and involve cognitive impairments that detach from reality. In contrast, although the concerns of individuals with hypochondriasis are exaggerated, they are still grounded in real health-related topics. Treatment primarily involves psychological counseling and cognitive-behavioral interventions, differing significantly from the pharmacological treatments and long-term monitoring required for psychotic disorders.

　　Maintaining regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise, actively participating in social activities to divert attention, learning to rationally interpret physical discomfort, avoiding excessive searching of medical information, and managing anxiety through talking or engaging in hobbies can help alleviate tendencies toward hypochondriasis.