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Transient hypochondriasis.

A J Barsky¹, G Wyshak, G L Klerman

¹Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.

Archives of General Psychiatry

|August 1, 1990

Summary

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Patients with transient hypochondriasis showed fewer psychiatric issues and improved questionnaire scores. This suggests personality disorder and somatic sensitivity may contribute to temporary hypochondriasis in medical patients.

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
General Medicine
Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

Hypochondriasis is a significant concern in general medicine outpatient clinics.
Distinguishing between persistent and transient hypochondriasis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the characteristics differentiating DSM-III-R hypochondriasis from transient hypochondriasis in a general medical setting.
To explore factors contributing to the development of transient hypochondriasis.

Main Methods:

Consecutive outpatients were screened using a hypochondriasis questionnaire.
Participants exceeding the cutoff underwent structured diagnostic interviews.
Comparison between DSM-III-R hypochondriacs, transiently hypochondriacal patients, and a control group.

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Main Results:

One-third of screened patients exceeding the cutoff did not meet DSM-III-R hypochondriasis criteria and showed decreased questionnaire scores over 3 weeks.
Transiently hypochondriacal patients had less psychiatric comorbidity but more medical morbidity than DSM-III-R hypochondriacs.
Transiently hypochondriacal patients exhibited higher rates of Axis I and personality disorders, and greater somatosensory amplification compared to controls, even after controlling for medical morbidity.

Conclusions:

Transient hypochondriasis in medical patients is associated with personality disorder and heightened sensitivity to somatic sensations.
These factors may predispose individuals to developing temporary hypochondriasis when faced with medical illness.