Management of grief in the hypochondriac

This paper illustrates the presentation and management of a grief reaction in a chronic hypochondriacal patient seen in a family medicine office. The manifestations of grief in the hypochondriacal patient are influenced by the unique characteristics of the chronic, somatic complainer in whom the grief reaction appeared as an intensification of the chronic complaints. The treatment of the grief reaction in these patients should take into account the techniques for managing the hypochondriacal patient.