Hypochondria

Rees debuts with a meandering, contemplative history of hypochondria in literature and medicine. In his early 20s, Rees became convinced that he was seriously ill, first with a brain tumor (due to debilitating headaches) and then with lymphoma (after an abnormal lung scan), despite doctors’ reassurance that he was fine. Into this personal narrative Rees weaves a critical investigation of what it means to believe oneself to be well or unwell, centering his inquiry on Kafka, a self-proclaimed hypochondriac for whom “it was of the utmost importance to pay attention to every aspect of one’s existence, no matter how small,” to the point that he refused Aspirin for headaches so as not to miss any symptoms; and on Freud, who insisted on maintaining the older view of hypochondria as a “physiological ailment,” even as other psychiatrists began viewing the condition as purely psychological. The material is often stimulating, as Rees raises intriguing questions about links between hypochondria and undiagnosed autoimmune disorders, and ruminates on hypochondria as an extreme form of existential self-reflection. Though Rees is a companionable guide, highlighting the mordant wit that often accompanies hypochondriac thinking, by the book’s second half he begins spinning his wheels in search of conclusions. Still, this leaves readers with plenty to chew on. (Mar.)