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Fluoxetine for hypochondriacal patients without major depression
B A Fallon1, M R Liebowitz, E Salmán
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
High-dose fluoxetine shows promise for treating hypochondriasis in patients without depression. This study found significant reductions in illness concerns, suggesting a new therapeutic option for a previously treatment-refractory group.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypochondriasis without depression is often resistant to pharmacotherapy.
- Similarities exist between hypochondriasis and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of high-dose fluoxetine in treating hypochondriasis.
- To assess fluoxetine's effectiveness in patients with hypochondriasis but no major depression.
Main Methods:
- An open trial was conducted using high-dose fluoxetine.
- 16 patients with DSM-III-R hypochondriasis (without depression) participated.
- Standardized scales measured hypochondriacal concerns at baseline and 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Ten out of 16 patients showed significant improvement after 12 weeks.
- Statistically significant reductions were observed in hypochondriacal concerns.
- Measures included the Heightened Illness Concern Clinical Global Impression Severity scale, Whiteley Index, and Illness Concern Questionnaire.
Conclusions:
- High-dose fluoxetine may be an effective treatment for hypochondriasis in patients without significant depressive features.
- These findings offer a potential therapeutic strategy for a previously treatment-refractory patient group.