Specific phobia of illness: search for a new subtype.
Specific phobia of illness makes its appearance in DSM-IV as a new diagnostic subtype, separate from hypochondriasis. A review of the literature indicates that, while there is some support for this new category, studies have not as yet been done that could provide validation. Illness phobia appears to be a significant problem; it is prevalent in the general population and is associated with distress and impairment, including interference with medical care. It appears to be associated with older age, physical illness, and female gender. Group comparisons are needed showing that persons with this phobia can be distinguished from hypochondriasis on the basis of these and other demographic and illness features. We outline a research agenda for demonstrating this separation.
Noyes
Russell
R
Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000, USA. russell-noyes@uiowa.edu
Carney
Caroline P
CP
Langbehn
Douglas R
DR
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012307:Risk Factors
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D007099:Imipramine