Final answer:
Hypochondriacs are characterized by concerns over having a serious illness that is based on their own interpretations rather than actual diseases. Real psychophysiological disorders, in contrast, involve physical symptoms influenced by psychological factors. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism demonstrate how certain symptoms are linked to overactive or underactive thyroid glands. So the correct answer is option (D).
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypochondriacs suffer from imaginary diseases. This is a condition where an individual is excessively and unduly worried about having a serious illness. Often, their concern is not based on any actual physical symptoms or diseases but rather on their personal interpretations and fears. In contrast, psychophysiological disorders involve real physical symptoms that can be exacerbated by psychological factors, such as stress and emotional issues.
Conditions like hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma are examples of real diseases where stress can play a role in their manifestation or severity. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are specific examples of conditions where an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause various symptoms impacting metabolism and overall health. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between imaginary illnesses, as experienced by hypochondriacs, and psychophysiological disorders, where both psychological and physiological elements are involved.