<p>Background: Hypochondriasis is associated with marked impairments in physical and psychological functioning, work performance and increased health care utilization. The prevalence among medical outpatients is estimated to be between 4,2 % and 6,3 %. Notwithstanding there is deficient research in this area. Until recently no specific treatment has been clearly demonstrated to be effective. Objective: The aim was to investigate experiences of what it is like to live with hypochondriasis, but also to examine different treatment options. Methods: In order to illustrate the experiences a latent content analyses was made on a documentary named “Hypokondrikerna” and to examine the treatment options a systematic review was made. Result: The content analysis revealed three categories and nine sub-categories concerning the experiences. The three categories were “health anxiety”, “individual coping strategies” and “emotional consequences”. The systematic review revealed medical treatment which consisted of three different antidepressants as well as seven different kinds of psychological treatments and other interventions, which all reduced hypocondriacal symptoms. Discussion: The findings show that hypochondriasis causes a chronic suffering and indicates that potential treatments are available. Hypochondriasis causes an unproductive health care utilization. A more effective management could reduce the costs and ease the suffering. Therefore we suggest that this disease should be observed and treated. The nurse has an important function to maintain a positive relationship with the patient and create a therapeutic dialogue.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA/oai:DiVA.org:miun-211 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Lundin, Karin, Svensson, Hanna |
| Publisher | Mid Sweden University, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Department of Health Sciences, Institutionen för hälsovetenskap |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, text |
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