DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HYPOCHONDRIASI S - A LITERATURE-REVIEW

This review is based on a survey of the empirical literature on hypoch ondriasis since 1980. It is suggested that despite the use of operatio nalized diagnostic criteria the definition of hypochondriasis remains unclear in many respects: the integration of hypochondriasis within th e somatoform disorders instead of the anxiety disorders and the role o f bodily complaints are important questions here. Hypochondriacal fear s and disease convictions are nevertheless important far beyond hypoch ondriasis itself. As far as can be judged from the literature so far, the treatment of hypochondriasis has to be based on an acceptance of t he patient's fears and disease convictions. In the initial phase, ther apeutic interventions based on insight are not primarily indicated. Th e disputed role of reassurance can be handled in an adaptive manner, w hen the working alliance and personality factors are taken into acount .