Hypochondriasis

Alternative names:

hypochondria; hypochondriacal neurosis

Treatment:

A supportive relationship with a health care provider is the mainstay of treatment. There should be one primary provider to avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and procedures.

The health care provider should inform the person that no organic disease is present, but that continued medical follow-up will help control the symptoms. The person with hypochondriasis feels real distress, so the symptoms should not be denied or challenged by others.

The person should be encouraged to discuss other problems rather than reinforcing the symptoms. Family cooperation will be helpful.

The person with hypochondriasis and the family need to be helped to find ways to deal with stress other than developing new symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The probable outcome is better when intervention has taken place before the condition becomes chronic, and when change is difficult to effect.

Complications:

There is a possibility that real disease may be overlooked in people with hypochondriasis because of previously unfounded complaints. Complications may result from invasive testing and multiple evaluations looking for the cause of symptoms. Dependency on pain relievers or sedatives may develop. A poor relationship with the health care provider seems to worsen the condition, as does evaluation by many providers.

Calling your health care provider:

Try to maintain a healthy relationship with your primary health care provider. Avoid going to multiple providers.