Reassurance and treatment of hypochondriasis.
This article critically examines views that reassurance is ineffective or antitherapeutic in the management of hypochondriasis. It presents a comprehensive definition of medical reassurance, and describes a therapeutic approach to hypochondriasis based on repeated and consistent provision of reassurance within a framework of psychodynamic psychotherapy. "Relational" aspects of reassurance-giving are emphasized over the sheer explanatory power of reassurance, so that this treatment is most suitable for those hypochondriacal patients who primarily seek a "sheltering" or soothing therapeutic relationship, along with acceptance from the reassurance-giving figure.
Starcević
V
V
Clinical and Hospital Center Dr. Dragisa Misović, Department of Psychiatry, Belgrade University School of Medicine, Yugoslavia.
D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012803:Sick Role