Integrated Treatment Program for Hypochondriasis in Primary Care Settings

Hypochondriasis, which is classified as a type of somatoform disorder, is one of the most difficult psychiatric disorders to treat. It is prevalent in primary care settings, and is a major source of suffering for patients and frustration for physicians. People with hypochondriasis tend to become preoccupied with the fear of having a serious disease, despite appropriate medical evaluations and reassurance that indicate otherwise. The disorder usually occurs in episodes lasting from months to years, separated by equally long periods of quiescence. Existing strategies for treating hypochondriasis include psychotherapy, medication treatment, and alternative treatments, such as exercise and electroconvulsive therapy. An effective treatment program should target the needs of both patients and physicians, as well as the structure of the delivery system. Components of such a program have been developed, but have not yet been integrated and tested in a clinical setting. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated three-part treatment program in improving hypochondriasis treatment and quality of care outcome in primary care settings.

Participants in this 6-month, single-blind study will first undergo baseline assessments. They will then be randomly assigned to partake in either the three-part treatment program or relaxation response training, in which patients are taught to use muscle relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Over the course of the study, participants assigned to the three-part program will attend five self-scheduled, 30-minute sessions of psychoeducational counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Sessions will focus on common hypochondriacal cognitive distortions and misunderstandings about symptoms, disease, and medical care. Additionally, the doctors and nurses at the participating hospital will undergo a training program to improve medical management of patients with hypochondriasis. The final component of the program will entail implementing an enhanced role for nurse practitioners to collaborate with primary care physicians in caring for patients with hypochondriasis. Participants assigned to relaxation response training will attend three self-scheduled, 1-hour sessions over the course of the study. They will be provided with an explanation of the physical effects of stress on the body and the purposes of progressive muscle relaxation training. They will then learn a relaxation technique through direct instruction, and will practice between sessions. Participants will also use a 20-minute audio tape to practice once a day, 5 to 7 days a week between clinic visits. All participants will attend self-scheduled follow-up visits 6 and 12 months following the end of treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• Has received primary medical care at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (HVMA) for at least 12 months prior to study entry
• Expects to continue receiving care from the current primary care physician for at least the next 12 months
• Meets requirement for average hypochondriasis screening score
• Able to speak and read English
• Falls within the top 20% of utilizers of health care services in the HVMA system over the past year
• Has attended no more than one visit to any specialist over the year prior to study entry

Exclusion criteria

• Psychiatric illness (e.g., psychosis, dementia, suicidal ideation)
• Somatoform pain disorder or currently receiving treatment for somatoform pain disorder (e.g., relaxation training)
• History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the 12 months prior to study entry
• Terminal medical illness or major medical illness expected to worsen significantly over the next year
• Ongoing symptom-contingent litigation against HVMA
• Monetary compensation for medical disability