Psychiatria pre prax 3/2001
Hypochondriasis and its treatment
Hypochondriasis refers to a disorder in which there is an excessive fear or belief that one has a serious illness based on a misinterpretation of somatic symptoms; this fear of belief persists despite a physician´s thorough examination and reassurance that a general medical disease is not present that could fully account for the patient´s somatic concerns. Although researchers have not yet identified the exact mechanism and efficacy of the various treatments, it is clear, that many patients with hypochondriasis can benefit from serotonergic pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Keywords: hypochondric disorder, diagnosis, etiopatogenesis, course, treatment, psychoterapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy.
