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The pharmacotherapy of hypochondriasis
B A Fallon1, F R Schneier, R Marshall
1New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY 10032, USA.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This study reviews hypochondriasis diagnosis and treatment, finding that while serotonin reuptake inhibitors show promise, placebo effects also contribute to patient improvement in managing health anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypochondriasis, characterized by excessive health anxiety, presents diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate diagnosis requires ruling out underlying medical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic considerations for hypochondriasis.
- To evaluate the pharmacologic treatment of hypochondriasis, particularly the efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Main Methods:
- Review of case reports and uncontrolled series on hypochondriasis treatment.
- Presentation of preliminary results from a placebo-controlled trial using fluoxetine.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests potential efficacy of SSRIs in treating hypochondriasis.
- A placebo-controlled trial indicated significant improvement with fluoxetine, but also a notable placebo response rate.
- Many patients completing fluoxetine treatment showed improvement.
Conclusions:
- The outlook for treating hypochondriasis is more optimistic than previously thought.
- Further research is needed to determine if SSRIs offer specific benefits beyond non-specific treatment effects in hypochondriasis.