Explanatory therapy in hypochondriasis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of individual explanatory therapy in hypochondriasis.


METHODS
Twenty patients with DSM-IV hypochondriasis were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One received explanatory therapy and was assessed again after a 6-month follow-up. The other was first assigned to a waiting list and subsequently treated with explanatory therapy. All patients received usual medical care from their physicians. Assessments involved both observer and self-rated instruments.


RESULTS
In both groups, explanatory therapy was significantly associated with a reduction of hypochondriacal fears and beliefs, improvement in affective disturbances and anxiety sensitivity, and a decrease in health care utilization. Therapeutic gains were maintained at follow-up. Substantial residual symptomatology, however, remained.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that hypochondriasis is a treatable condition and that explanatory therapy is a viable therapeutic tool. Further research should disclose the actual components of the mechanism of change in hypochondriacal patients.
Fava
G A
GA
Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA.
Grandi
S
S
Rafanelli
C
C
Fabbri
S
S
Cazzaro
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012803:Sick Role; D016896:Treatment Outcome