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Recommendations for the Treatment of Hypochondriac Patients

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Abstract

Hypochondriasis is a debilitating condition in which patients are persistently preoccupied with the possibility of being seriously ill. Its is a costly problem for the health care system whose treatment has not received systematic attention until recently. Although based on few controlled studies, results indicated that various brief cognitive-behavioral techniques produce significant changes in illness fears and attitudes. A list of therapeutic questions that require further study is presented and some indications for both therapists and patients are given.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, 28223, Madrid, Spain

    M. D. Avia & M. A. Ruiz

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  1. M. D. Avia
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  2. M. A. Ruiz
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Correspondence to M. D. Avia.

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Avia, M.D., Ruiz, M.A. Recommendations for the Treatment of Hypochondriac Patients. J Contemp Psychother 35, 301–313 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-005-4322-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-005-4322-3

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