Diagnose und therapie der hypochondrischen störung - Eine übersicht der empirischen literatur

This review is based on a survey of the empirical literature on hypochondriasis since 1980. It is suggested that despite the use of operationalized diagnostic criteria the definition of hypochondriasis remains unclear in many respects: the integration of hypochondriasis within the somatoform disorders instead of the anxiety disorders and the role of bodily complaints are important questions here. Hypochondriacal fears and disease convictions are nevertheless important far beyond hypochondriasis itself. As far as can be judged from the literature so far, the treatment of hypochondriasis has to be based on an acceptance of the patient's fears and disease convictions. In the initial phase, therapeutic interventions based on insight are not primarily indicated. The disputed role of reassurance can be handled in an adaptive manner, when the working alliance and personality factors are taken into acount.