PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 961566

Caring for the hypochondriac.

L F Rittelmeyer
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

The patient's manner and the content of his complaints offer early diagnostic leads. The hypochondriac clings to his symptoms. Rather than relief, his goal is forming a relationship with the doctor that provides care and understanding. The physician's goal must be the provision of this care in such manner as to reassure, treat sparingly and convert this potentially fatal illness to a chronic disorder with which the patient can function to the limits of his capabilities.

Explore related subjects

DepressionHumansHypochondriasisPhysician-Patient RelationsJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

L F Rittelmeyer. 1976. Caring for the hypochondriac.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/961566/

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

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and quality of life issues in restless legs syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a generally underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. It is a common cause of sleep disturbance that can severely disrupt normal life functioning. However, because of the failure to recognize RLS as a distinct disorder, clinicians have minimized the significance of the morbidity experienced by some patients. A positive family history is present in >50% of patients with RLS. Indeed, a person with RLS is 3 to 6 times more likely to have a positive family history of RLS than is an individual who does not have the disease. The differential diagnosis of RLS includes both movement and sleep disorders. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is crucial because effective treatment is available. In 2002, RLS experts revised diagnostic criteria and established 4 essential criteria for the diagnosis. Assessing the most bothersome symptoms and quantifying the severity of RLS are important because not all patients require medical therapy. Moreover, therapy may vary according to which symptom represents the major problem.

Depression↗