Recognizing hypochondriasis in primary care.
Between 5% and 9% of primary care patients exhibit hypochondriacal symptoms. Hypochondriasis may be primary or secondary to panic disorder or depression. Despite negative diagnostic findings and clinician reassurance, hypochondriacal patients manifest disease conviction, disease phobia, or both. Primary care providers, in collaboration with mental health care providers, can provide optimal treatment for patients with hypochondriasis. The use of various intervention phases and selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors provide the most favorable patient outcomes.
Hardy
R E
RE
Research College of Nursing, Kansas City, Mo., USA.
Warmbrodt
L
L
Chrisman
S K
SK
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011582:Psychological Theory; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors