“Doctor shopping” is the characteristic of hypochondriac disease, which defence mechanism is the root of this behavior? mcq given below:
Q. “Doctor shopping” is the characteristic of hypochondriac disease, which defence mechanism is the root of this behavior?(a) denial / |
🧠 “Doctor Shopping” in Hypochondriasis – Defense Mechanism
In psychiatric practice, some patients repeatedly visit different doctors for the same health complaint. This behavior is commonly known as “doctor shopping.”
What does “Doctor Shopping” mean?
Doctor shopping refers to the behavior in which a patient continuously consults multiple doctors because they believe they have a serious illness, even when medical examinations show no disease.
This behavior is commonly seen in patients with hypochondriasis (now often called illness anxiety disorder).
Underlying Defense Mechanism:
The main psychological defense mechanism behind this behavior is denial.
In denial, the patient refuses to accept medical reassurance that no serious illness exists. Even after negative test results, the person still believes something is wrong and seeks another doctor for confirmation.
Because the patient cannot accept the reality that they are healthy, they continue searching for a different diagnosis from different doctors.
Why other mechanisms are less appropriate?
- Compensation – Trying to overcome weakness by emphasizing strengths.
- Displacement – Redirecting emotions toward another person or object.
- Identification – Adopting characteristics of another person.
These mechanisms do not explain the persistent belief of illness despite medical reassurance.
Exam Point:
Hypochondriasis + visiting many doctors = Doctor Shopping
Defense mechanism involved → Denial
💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
Concept clarity • Strong recall • Nursing success