Educating the 'worried well': Description of a structured programme and implications for treatment and prevention

Author(s): Olivares, M. E., Crespo, M., Guisado, A. B., Sanchez, A., Varela, A.

Journal/Book: Clin Psychol Psychother. 1997; 4: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 136-144.

Abstract: This paper describes the contents of a cognitive-behavioural treatment for hypochondriasis and health anxiety based on Barsky et al.'s (1988) proposal. Five types of factors that may account for the enhanced experience of physical symptoms-selective and inadequate attention, muscle tension and bad breathing, environmental factors, stress and dysphoric mood and misinterpretation of somatic symptoms-were presented in the form of a group of educational training. Special emphasis was given to the form in which psychological information should be provided to initially resistant patients and to the contexts in which training should occur. The evidence obtained with an heterogeneous group of 14 subjects supports the utility of the programme, not only for target behaviours, but also for other related areas. Finally, the implications of this type of intervention for treatment and prevention are discussed.

Note: Article Avia MD, Univ Complutense Madrid, Fac Psicol, Campus Somosaguas, Madrid 28223, SPAIN

Keyword(s): BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT; MEDICAL OUTPATIENTS; HYPOCHONDRIASIS; REASSURANCE

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