Just Hypochondria or Something Else?

Abstract

Introduction

In the older adult hypochondria is one of the most common somatoform disorders, and represents a particular challenge for approach, diagnosis and treatment, since in this age group, non-psychiatric medical comorbidity and concomitant presence of other psychiatric disorders very high. It is therefore very complex differentiate hypochondria disease with a real organic cause [1].

Methods

Review of the relevant literature on the subject by searching PUBMED, limited to studies of greater scientific hierarchy.

Results

Analysis of symptoms present in a hypochondriac patient with comorbid psychiatric disorders and organic pathology, valuing the importance it has in its clinical manifestations and the difficulty of differential diagnosis.

Conclusions

In the elderly, the high frequency of somatic disease conditions the need for a deeper physical and mental examination to avoid subjecting patients to unnecessary scrutiny and risky complementary tests [1].

The evolution of hypochondriacs, dragging hypochondria from youth is not good, persisting in his complaint and his need to see a doctor for diagnostic examinations [2]. The therapeutic approach depends on the type of complaint, in which the treatment of the underlying disease as a psychotherapeutic and pharmacological mixed approach may be the right things [2].

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.