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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

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Hypochondria: the worried well.

Jeannette Y Wick¹, Guido R Zanni

¹National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.

The Consultant Pharmacist : the Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists

|May 6, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) affect many doctor visits, with a small percentage developing hypochondria. Effective treatment requires acknowledging patient concerns and respecting psychological defenses.

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Area of Science:

Psychiatry
General Medicine
Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) account for a significant portion of physician visits, with up to 25% of patients reporting such symptoms.
While most MUPS resolve, a subset of patients develop hypochondria, characterized by persistent belief in a serious undiagnosed illness.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the prevalence and characteristics of hypochondria in patients presenting with MUPS.
To discuss the challenges and potential treatment strategies for hypochondria within healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

The study reviews existing literature and clinical observations regarding medically unexplained physical symptoms and hypochondria.
Analysis of patient demographics, symptom presentation, and healthcare utilization patterns associated with hypochondria.

Main Results:

Approximately 13% of physician visits are related to MUPS.
An estimated 5% of patients with MUPS develop hypochondria, consuming at least 10% of healthcare expenditures.
Hypochondria poses significant challenges for healthcare professionals due to diagnostic difficulties and patient frustration.

Conclusions:

Treatment for hypochondria is possible but requires a paradoxical approach.
Clinicians should validate patients' concerns and respect their psychological defenses for effective management.
Addressing hypochondria is crucial for improving patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare resource allocation.