Hypochondriasis

[Scylax]

From whence comes this word ? It's an unfounded anxiety state, but the origin of the word itself escapes me.

[hc4361]

[Late Latin, abdomen, from Greek hupokhondria, pl. of hupokhondrion, abdomen (held to be the seat of melancholy), from neuter of hupokhondrios, under the cartilage of the breastbone : hupo-, hypo- + khondros, cartilage; see ghrendh- in Indo-European roots.]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hypochondria

[Scylax]

Exactly, hc. I was aware of the literal meaning of the word ie . abdominal, but why is the focus on the abdomen ? Would 'pathophobia' better describe this neurosis. Ah, maybe I'm just being pedantic.

[hc4361]

Oh, I see what you mean.

Could it be that the stomach is considered an indicator of anxiety - butterflies in the tummy; stomach tied in knots; stomach hit the floor; stomach turned inside out; acid stomach; turned my stomach; stomach churning; gut wrenching; nervous stomach....

All modern expressions but I'm sure there were equivalent sentiments.

Think also of heartburn; acid indigestion and the likes. A hypochondriac might think these are symptoms of a heart attack when the heart is not affected at all - over anxiety about a common stomach problem, perhaps?

I don't know if I'm right, just sharing my ideas. I too will be interested the 'proper' answer.

[Scylax]

Yes, the etymology is certainly obscure. Perhaps it refers to a subcostal structure, notably the liver and its role in the formation of bile, hence the ancient titles choleric and melancholic, referring to prevailing mood.
'Black bile' seems to have disappeared from modern physiology, but has left an etymological residue of melancholia for some unfortunates.