Hypochondriasis referred to as "a stepchild" in the field of psychiatry is a situation in which a patient is too apprehensive of some malady afflicting his body despite continuous negative medical evaluations and assurances. Clinical and research efforts are lacking a lot in various treatment areas of hypochondriasis and it needs to be greatly enhanced. Unless this is met, hypochondriasis will be a major worry for public health. It will be unfortunate if these disorders receive attention only because of the high health costs incurred, as it will undermine the suffering of the patients. Therefore psychiatrists, who understand much about their unmet need, should take a stand to bring hypochondriasis to the forefront and work towards creating a better life for these patients.