Definition
In the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (1994), hypochondriasis is defined according to the following criteria:
Because of misinterpreting bodily symptoms, the patient becomes preoccupied with ideas or fears of having a serious illness.
Appropriate medical investigation and reassurance do not relieve these ideas.
These ideas are not delusional (as in delusional disorder) and are not restricted to concern about appearance (as in body dysmorphic disorder).
They cause distress that is clinically important or impair work, social, or personal functioning.
They have lasted 6 months or longer.
These ideas are better explained by generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive episode, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, or a different...
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Pilowsky, I. (2013). Hypochondriasis, Somatoform Disorders, and Abnormal Illness Behavior. In: Gebhart, G.F., Schmidt, R.F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Pain. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28753-4_1839
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28753-4_1839
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