Hypochondriasis Modern Perspectives on an Ancient Malady

by Starcevic, Vladan; Lipsitt, Don R.

• ISBN13: 9780195126761
• ISBN10: 0195126769
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-02-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Hypochondriassis remains controversial, despite its 2000-year history.Although it is considered a mental disorder, hypochondriasis is often regardedas a defense mechanism, peculiar cognitive/ perceptual style, means of nonverbalcommunication, response to stress, abnormal illness behavior, personality trait,distinct personality disturbance, and part of other menatl disorders.Disagreements about etiology and pathogenesis of hypochondriasis go hand in handwith disagreements about its treatment. this book fills the need for a modern,balanced, in-depth, and integrative overview of hypochondriasis as a mentaldisorder with diverse manifestations. Written by world experts and fromdifferent perspectives, it aims to be a state-of-the-art text, demonstrating howthe current concepts of hypochondriasis are linked with its rich history,critically examining diagnostic and nosologic issues and suggesting ways ofoverciming the conceptual obstacles, describing current views on the etiology,pathogenesis and psychopathology, presenting main treatment approaches, andproviding treatment guidelines. This book is intended for both practicingclinicians and researchers. An important resource for all psychiatrists, primarycare physicians, clinical psychologists, and other mental health professionals,it will also be of interest for psychiatry residents, medical students, graduatestudents in clinical psychology, and lay public.

Table of Contents

Contributors	ix
Introduction	xi
Vladan Starcevic
Don R. Lipsitt
I. Clinical and Diagnostic Considerations
Hypochondriasis: History of the Concept	3	(18)
German E. Berrios
Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Hypochondriasis	21	(40)
Vladan Starcevic
Assessment of Hypochondriasis	61	(28)
Anne E. M. Speckens
Hypochondriasis and Anxiety Disorders	89	(14)
Giovanni A. Fava
Lara Mangelli
Hypochondriasis and Personality Disturbance	103	(24)
Michael Hollifield
Epidemiology of Hypochondriasis	127	(28)
Russell Noyes, Jr
Hypochondriasis in Primary Care	155	(28)
Laurence J. Kirmayer
Karl J. Looper
II. Theoretical and Etiologic Aspects
Psychodynamic Perspectives on Hypochondriasis	183	(19)
Don R. Lipsitt
Meaning, Misinterpretations, and Medicine: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Understanding Health Anxiety and Hypochondriasis	202	(21)
Paul M. Salkovskis
Hilary M. C. Warwick
Somatosensory Amplification and Hypochondriasis	223	(26)
Arthur J. Barsky
Hypochondriasis, Abnormal Illness Behavior, and Social Context	249	(16)
Issy Pilowsky
III. Treatment Considerations
The Patient-Physician Relationship in the Treatment of Hypochondriasis	265	(26)
Don R. Lipsitt
Reassurance in the Treatment of Hypochondriasis	291	(23)
Vladan Starcevic
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Hypochondriasis	314	(15)
Hilary M. C. Warwick
Paul M. Salkovskis
Pharmacologic Strategies for Hypochondriasis	329	(56)
Brian A. Fallon
Epilogue	355	(14)
Don R. Lipsitt
Vladan Starcevic
Coda	369	(4)
Don R. Lipsitt
Appendices
Appendix 1: The Structured Diagnostic Interview for Hypochondriasis	373	(3)
Appendix 2: The Whiteley Index	376	(1)
Appendix 3: The Illness Behaviour Questionnaire	377	(3)
Appendix 4: Illness Attitude Scales	380	(3)
Appendix 5: The Somatosensory Amplification Scale	383	(2)
Index	385