Explanatory therapy in hypochondriasis

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of indivi dual explanatory therapy in hypochondriasis. Method: Twenty patients with DSM-IV hypochondriasis were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One received explanatory therapy and was assessed again after a B-month follow-up. The other was first assigned to a waiting list and sub sequently treated with explanatory therapy. All patients received usual med ical care from their physicians. Assessments involved both observer and sel f-rated instruments. Results: In both groups, explanatory therapy was significantly associated w ith a reduction of hypochondriacal fears and beliefs, improvement in affect ive disturbances and anxiety sensitivity, and a decrease in health care uti lization. Therapeutic gains were maintained at follow-up. Substantial resid ual symptomatology, however, remained. Conclusion: The results suggest that hypochondriasis is a treatable conditi on and that explanatory therapy is a Viable therapeutic tool. Further resea rch should disclose the actual components of the mechanism of change in hyp ochondriacal patients.