Abstract
The essential feature of hypochondriasis is preoccupation with the fear or worries of having a serious disease, based on the misinterpretation ofbodily signs and sensations. Hypochondriasis as a primary condition was considered to be non-responsive to any pharmacotherapeuric intervention.
Early results of placebo-controlled, double blind studies are pending, bur anecdotal case reports, open-label trials, and review of preliminary data indicate some promise for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. There have been tried also many psychotherapeutic approaches to treating hypochnondriasis.
These may be classified as supportive, rational, ventilative, and educative.