Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Origin of the word Hypocondria

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    1,832

    Origin of the word Hypocondria

    To fully reveal my nerdiness, my husband bought a book of vocabulary recently and we read through a section every night at dinner.... Tonight was "hypo" words and I found the origin of hypocondria so interesting because I couldn't work out why it started with hypo (meaning below/under). Here it is:

    The second part of hypocondria derives from chondros, the Greek word for cartilage. The cartilage in question is that of the sternum, or breastbone. From ancient times, doctors believed that certain internal organs or regions were the seat of various diseases, both physical and mental, and the area under the breastbone was thought to be the source of hypocondria.

    The more you know...

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Posts
    16,747

    Re: Origin of the word Hypocondria

    Look up"hysteria" too, Erin... Some interesting theories from physicians from the past. Good job we've moved on now!

    Wishing you the very best of luck for your surgery! x

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    1,832

    Re: Origin of the word Hypocondria

    Thanks, pulisa! Maybe I'll be less hysterical once my uterus is removed! 😂

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Posts
    16,747

    Re: Origin of the word Hypocondria

    I still get hysterical despite losing mine 29 years ago!

    I think psychiatrists used to be called "alienists" too....Can you imagine people tolerating that today?!!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    1,832

    Re: Origin of the word Hypocondria

    Quote Originally Posted by pulisa View Post
    I still get hysterical despite losing mine 29 years ago!

    I think psychiatrists used to be called "alienists" too....Can you imagine people tolerating that today?!!
    There is nothing more disconcerting than reading about health care in the past. I can't believe anyone survived!!

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Two broken skin spots, unknown origin
    By user007 in forum Rabies Concerns
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 14-01-20, 16:32
  2. Hypocondria / Anxiety / Scarred ++
    By Dagmag in forum Health Anxiety
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 08-03-17, 07:46
  3. Clinton, I am new.(fighting Hypocondria)
    By Clint1993 in forum Introduce Yourself
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-02-17, 01:07
  4. HAs anyone recieved a formal diagnosis of hypocondria?
    By circle in forum Health Anxiety
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 05-01-13, 00:03
  5. Replies: 5
    Last Post: 04-01-13, 16:47

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •