meaning - Is hypochondria always about oneself?


I read the definition of hypochondria, but it does not say: is it correct to use this word, for instance, about parents who worry too much about their kid(s) being sick?



Answer



Hypochondria does indeed refer to the sufferer himself.


Worrying about other people's health should be called hypochondria by proxy (by extension from Munchausen by proxy) but I can't find a reliable reference for that. The best one is a blog which implies that a vet has diagnosed it in a pet's owner.


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