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Reduction in Hypochondriasis with Treatment of Panic Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

R. Noyes*
Affiliation:
University of Iowa College of Medicine, 500 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
J. Reich
Affiliation:
University of Iowa College of Medicine, 500 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
J. Clancy
Affiliation:
University of Iowa College of Medicine, 500 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
T. W. O'Gorman
Affiliation:
University of Iowa College of Medicine, 500 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
*
Correspondence

Extract

Hypochondriasis was assessed in 60 patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia using the Illness Behavior Questionnaire. Before treatment, IBQ hypochondriasis scores were similar to those of a group of hypochondriacal psychiatric patients. In patients who improved with treatment, significant reductions in somatic preoccupation, disease phobia, and disease conviction occurred. Hypochondriasis appears to be a prominent feature of panic disorder and agoraphobia, and responds to treatment of the primary conditions. Our findings underscore the importance of providing adequate treatment and thereby avoiding wasteful use of medical resources and alienation of patients from doctors.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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