T G de Meij | PubMed Health

PubMed2001

An open study of paroxetine in hypochondriasis.

1. Despite the high prevalence of hypochondriasis, this disorder is found to be the focus of research only minimally. 2. This open study evaluates the efficacy and tolerance of paroxetine in 11 patients with DSM-III-R hypochondriasis. 3. Using paired samples t-test, a significant reduction on measures of hypochondriasis was found after 12 weeks of treatment compared to baseline. Two patients dropped out prematurely. At post-test, eight out of nine patients who completed the study had improved to a clinically relevant degree. Of these, five attained scores in the reach of the normal population. 4. In one patient who completed the study and one patient who dropped out, tolerance of paroxetine was poor, whereas in remaining patients tolerance was moderate to good. 5. The results of this study suggest that patients with hypochondriasis may be responsive to paroxetine. A controlled study is recommended.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Hypochondriasis].

In a female patient aged 33 years and suffering from excessive concern with her physical health, hypochondriasis was diagnosed. By cognitive behavioural therapy the obsessive thoughts, controlling behaviour and avoidance behaviour were alleviated. After treatment the patient needed fewer consultations. In general practice hypochondriasis is a common problem. Patients will ask for a lot of diagnostic tests. Nothing will give them enough reassurance and there can be irritation. The general practitioner must confront them with the fact that their main problem is hypochondriasis and search for solutions. Cognitive and behavioural therapy as well as treatment with antidepressive drugs may be helpful. The earlier the diagnosis and the start of treatment, the better the prognosis.

Adult↗