Morbid preoccupations, health anxiety and reassurance: a cognitive-behavioural approach to hypochondriasis

doi:10.1016/0005-7967(86)90041-0

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume 24, Issue 5, 1986, Pages 597-602

https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(86)90041-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

The concept of ‘hypochondriasis’ is examined and an alternative cognitive-behavioural approach to health preoccupation is proposed. Avoidance behaviour (reassurance seeking and checking bodily status) is suggested as an important maintaining factor. In two single case experiments, short-and long-term effects of medical reassurance are assessed in ‘hypochondriacal’ patients; results are fully consistent with the model. Treatment designed to eliminate reassurance and hence to facilitate self-directed exposure and cognitive change proved rapidly effective.

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^∗: Present address: University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, England.

^†: Present address: Maudsley Hospital, London, England.

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Case histories and shorter communicationsMorbid preoccupations, health anxiety and reassurance: a cognitive-behavioural approach to hypochondriasis

Abstract

J. Behav. Ther. exp. Psychiat.

Behav. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

Behav. Ther.

Behav. Res. Ther.

J. Behav. Ther. exp. Psychiat.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Classification and associations of hyprochondriasis in patients from a psychiatric hospital

Can. J. Psychiat.

Overview: hypochondriasis, bodily complaints and somatic styles

Am. J. Psychiat.

Cognitive therapy anxiety and phobic disorders

Hypochondriasis: a clinical study

Br. J. Psychiat.

Case histories and shorter communications
Morbid preoccupations, health anxiety and reassurance: a cognitive-behavioural approach to hypochondriasis