Hypochondriasis and Health Anxiety

In the recently updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) the diagnostic concept of hypochondriasis was eliminated and replaced by somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder. Hypochondriasis and Health Anxiety: A Guide for Clinicians edited by Vladan Starcevic and Russell Noyes and written by prominent clinicians and researchers in the field addresses current issues in recognizing understanding and treating hypochondriasis. Using a pragmatic approach it offers a wealth of clinically useful information. The book also provides a critical review of the underlying conceptual and treatment issues addressing varying perspectives and synthesizing the current research. Specific topics the text covers include: clinical manifestations diagnostic and conceptual issues classification relationships with other disorders assessment epidemiology economic aspects course outcome and treatment. Additionally the book discusses patient-physician relationship in the context of hypochondriasis and health anxiety and presents cognitive behavioral interpersonal and psychodynamic models and treatments. The authors also address the neurobiological underpinnings of hypochondriasis and health anxiety and pharmacological treatment approaches. Based on the extensive clinical experience of its authors there are numerous case illustrations and practical examples of how to assess understand and manage individuals presenting with disease preoccupations health anxiety and/or beliefs that they are seriously ill. It approaches its subject from various perspectives and is a work of integration and critical thinking about an area often shrouded in controversy.