Recommendations for the Treatment of Hypochondriac Patients

Authors: Avia, M.¹; Ruiz, M.²

Source: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, Volume 35, Number 3, October 2005 , pp. 301-313(13)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Hypochondriasis is a debilitating condition in which patients are persistently preoccupied with the possibility of being seriously ill. Its is a costly problem for the health care system whose treatment has not received systematic attention until recently. Although based on few controlled studies, results indicated that various brief cognitive-behavioral techniques produce significant changes in illness fears and attitudes. A list of therapeutic questions that require further study is presented and some indications for both therapists and patients are given.

Keywords: hypochondriasis; health anxiety; cognitive-behavioral treatment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10879-005-4322-3

Affiliations: 1: Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, 28223, Madrid, Spain, Email: mariavia@psi.ucm.es 2: Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, 28223, Madrid, Spain,

Publication date: 2005-10-01