Running head: ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER 1
Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis)
Marissa Barrett
PY309_01
Brenau University
Running head: ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER 2
Introduction
Illness Anxiety Disorder formerly known as Hypochondriasis is used to describe an individual who becomes excessively perturbed at the possibility of either having an illness or contracting one despite (sometimes consistent) medical reassurance. This disorder is typically categorized as a Somatic symptom related disorder although in spite of this recent change Hypochondriasis was previously subdivided into two groups: …show more content…
The Whitely index is a 14 question survey that is used to measure the intensity of an individual’s hypochondriacal symptoms organizing them into 3 different subcategories: disease fear, disease conviction, and bodily preoccupation. The Illness Worry Scale is similar to the Whitley however in contrast it removes all questions that are related to physical ailments. It consists of a 10 question Y/N survey in which all of the items were taken directly from the Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ). Lastly, the Illness Attitude Scale’s primary use is to observe the affiliation between psychopathology and Illness Anxiety Disorder …show more content…
Although few studies have been performed, the most successful form of treatment has been psychotherapy and medication (NAMI). Psychotherapy is typically referred to as “talk therapy” because it allows the patient to speak freely about internal dilemmas to a professional. They will generally ask about any current issues, relationships (family, friends, romantic), or even about events that have already happened. Their primary goal is to form connections between these topics to further understand the
Running head: ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER 6 development of the disorder and treatment for which. The therapist aids their patient in discovering deeper meanings or enlightenment to a presented issue in hopes that it will help them overcome it. The specific type of psychotherapy that is more commonly used is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive-Behavioral
Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis)
Marissa Barrett
PY309_01
Brenau University
Running head: ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER 2
Introduction
Illness Anxiety Disorder formerly known as Hypochondriasis is used to describe an individual who becomes excessively perturbed at the possibility of either having an illness or contracting one despite (sometimes consistent) medical reassurance. This disorder is typically categorized as a Somatic symptom related disorder although in spite of this recent change Hypochondriasis was previously subdivided into two groups: …show more content…
The Whitely index is a 14 question survey that is used to measure the intensity of an individual’s hypochondriacal symptoms organizing them into 3 different subcategories: disease fear, disease conviction, and bodily preoccupation. The Illness Worry Scale is similar to the Whitley however in contrast it removes all questions that are related to physical ailments. It consists of a 10 question Y/N survey in which all of the items were taken directly from the Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ). Lastly, the Illness Attitude Scale’s primary use is to observe the affiliation between psychopathology and Illness Anxiety Disorder …show more content…
Although few studies have been performed, the most successful form of treatment has been psychotherapy and medication (NAMI). Psychotherapy is typically referred to as “talk therapy” because it allows the patient to speak freely about internal dilemmas to a professional. They will generally ask about any current issues, relationships (family, friends, romantic), or even about events that have already happened. Their primary goal is to form connections between these topics to further understand the
Running head: ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER 6 development of the disorder and treatment for which. The therapist aids their patient in discovering deeper meanings or enlightenment to a presented issue in hopes that it will help them overcome it. The specific type of psychotherapy that is more commonly used is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive-Behavioral