Narcissism and Object Relations in Hypochondria.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychoanalysis
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Hypochondria is under-theorized, with limited psychoanalytic study.
• Existing research often uses a cognitive-behavioral approach, emphasizing patient-physician relationship quality over symptom reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize hypochondria through a psychoanalytic lens.
• To explore hypochondria as a disruption of narcissism.
• To demonstrate psychoanalysis's contribution to understanding and treating hypochondria.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical psychoanalytic exploration of hypochondria.
• Conceptualization of hypochondria as a narcissistic transference.
• Analysis of the patient-physician relationship in hypochondria.

Main Results:

• Hypochondria can be understood as a narcissistic transference.
• This conceptualization reveals an apparent relational deadlock.
• Psychoanalytic insights offer a framework for addressing hypochondria.

Conclusions:

• Psychoanalysis provides a valuable theoretical framework for understanding hypochondria.
• Viewing hypochondria as a narcissistic transference enhances patient care.
• This approach contributes to both medicine and psychotherapeutic practices.