Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis, also known as hypochondria, health anxiety or illness anxiety disorder, refers to worry about having a serious illness. This debilitating condition is the result of an inaccurate perception of the condition of body or mind despite the absence of an actual medical condition. An individual suffering from hypochondriasis is known as a hypochondriac. Hypochondriacs become unduly alarmed about any physical or psychological symptoms they detect, no matter how minor the symptom may be, and are convinced that they have, or are about to be diagnosed with, a serious illness.

Often, hypochondria persists even after a physician has evaluated a person and reassured them that their concerns about symptoms do not have an underlying medical basis or, if there is a medical illness, their concerns are far in excess of what is appropriate for the level of disease. Many hypochondriacs focus on a particular symptom as the catalyst of their worrying, such as gastro-intestinal problems, palpitations, or muscle fatigue. To qualify for the diagnosis of hypochondria the symptoms must have been experienced for at least 6 months.

Il malato immaginario

Il malato immaginario (internationally released as Hypochondriac) is a 1979 Italian comedy film directed by Tonino Cervi. It is a loose adaptation of Molière's Le Malade imaginaire set in 1600 papal Rome.

Plot

In Rome the rich and stingy landowner Argante believed to be sick in any possible harm, although born as a fish. Another thing that the cruel man holds great attention is his money and his contract with a young doctor for the wedding of his daughter Lucrezia. In fact, the good catch is considered the girl a total moron who knows nothing about medicine, but Don Argante not pay much attention and just think to combine the deal as soon as possible. Meanwhile his wife, without his or her knowledge, betrays him with another. Comes the doctor betrothed his daughter to the house of Argante, as he finds himself in yet another false relapse, and thus begins to visit him. Argante now realizes the nonsense that says the young but is only about money and does not care. Later, between the master and his servant turns a strong argument that Argante is not loved by anyone in the family except by his servants. To test the family Argante is persuaded by the servants to pretend to be dead in order to discover the hatred that his wife and family have of him and so it happens. As if that were not enough rich to the poor has been stolen also deposit money.