PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 12043059

[Hypochondriasis and cognitive therapy].

Ingvard Wilhelmsen
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypochondriasis is an annoying disorder. Diagnostic criteria for primary and secondary hypochondriasis as well as comorbidity are explained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Some studies of prevalence, aetiology and treatment are reviewed. Special emphasis is given to the cognitive model. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of primary hypochondriasis in population studies is around 1%, while the prevalence in medical outpatient clinics is 3-4.5%. Several controlled, clinical studies have found positive effect of cognitive-behavioural therapy. Excessive health anxiety that is secondary to depression disappears when the primary disorder is treated. Controlled clinical trials of medication is lacking. Traditionally, hypochondriasis has been considered a difficult diagnosis to present to the patient and hard to treat. Research has increased our knowledge and understanding of the disease, and structured treatment protocols have led to a well founded optimism concerning prognosis. Central themes in the consultations are the question of life and death, interpretation of subjective somatic symptoms and the ability to make decisions when still in doubt.

Explore related subjects

Cognitive Behavioral TherapyDiagnosis, DifferentialHumansHypochondriasisModels, BiologicalModels, PsychologicalPrevalencePrognosisPsychophysiologic DisordersJournal ArticleReview

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Ingvard Wilhelmsen. 2002-04-30. [Hypochondriasis and cognitive therapy].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12043059/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Multiplicity of selves and others: cognitive analytic therapy.

In cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), multiplicity is understood in terms of a range of self-other patterns (reciprocal role relationships) originating in childhood. These alternate in determining experience and action according to the situation (contextual multiplicity). They may be restricted by adverse childhood experiences (diminished multiplicity), and severe deprivation or abuse may result in a structural dissociation of self-processes ( pathological multiplicity). Therapeutic interventions, to be effective, must be based on an understanding of the structure of the individual patient's self-processes. In CAT practice, descriptions of dysfunctional relationship patterns and of transitions between them are worked out by therapist and patient at the start of therapy and are used by both throughout its course. This approach is illustrated by an account of the treatment of a depressed and anxious 70-year-old man who alternated between two main patterns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗
PubMed2007

[Paraphilia, sexual preference disorders. Diagnosis, etiology, epidemiology, treatment and prevention].

Hostility towards relationships is one prominent characteristic symptom for disorders of sexual preference (ICD-10) and paraphilias (DSM-IV). Paraphilic symptoms sometimes progress to obsessive or addictive- like forms leading to a loss of self-control but can occur also as single incidents or as episodic events. Besides constitutional aspects, problems in the development of close relationships to primary caregivers (attachment) play an important role in the development of these disorders. Actual relationship- and self-confidence problems often trigger the severity of disturbance, especially in the episodic forms of paraphilia. For patients who are in conflict with the law, cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approaches with the aim to minimize self-deception regarding the effects of the paraphilic behavior have become more and more relevant. Regarding the medical treatment, anti-hormonal therapy plays an important role, but also treatment with serotonergic agents and naltrexone are used. Only little can be advised in terms of prevention; general psycho-hygiene (regarding the parent-child relationship) is recommended. Beside these general measures, institutions which offer special treatment for people in danger to become delinquents may be able to prevent serious harm for possible victims of abuse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗
PubMed2007

Psychological factors associated with orofacial pains.

This article develops the case for why trigeminal pain is a unique and challenging problem for clinicians and patients alike, and provides the reader with insights for effective trigeminal pain management based on an understanding of the interplay between psychologic and physiologic systems. There is no greater sensory experience for the brain to manage than unremitting pain in trigeminally mediated areas. Such pain overwhelms conscious experience and focuses the suffering individual like few other sensory events. Trigeminal pain often motivates a search for relief that can drain financial and emotional resources. In some instances, the search is rewarded by a treatment that immediately addresses an identifiable source of pain; in other cases, it can stimulate never-ending pilgrimages from one health provider to another.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗