Perceptual consequences of an illness-concern induction and its relation to hypochondriacal tendencies.

This article examines the perceptual consequences of activating illness concern as a function of hypochondriacal tendencies. In 2 independent samples, hypochondriacal tendencies were associated with slower reaction times on a modified emotional Stroop task when the stimulus words were illness related, but only when illness concern was activated. Moreover, these findings emerged when hypochondriacal tendencies were defined as a sensitivity to bodily sensations. When defined as illness preoccupation and fear, hypochondriacal tendencies were associated with a generalized pattern of perseveration to all stimuli when health concern was activated. Finally, the results persisted even after statistically controlling for state anxiety. Findings are discussed within the context of an activation hypothesis and highlight the importance of the operational definition and assessment of hypochondriacal tendencies when examining perceptual biases. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A cross-cultural study of the structure of comorbidity among common psychopathological syndromes in the general health care setting.

This study presents analyses of 7 common psychopathological syndromes in the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborative Study of Psychological Problems in General Health Care (T. B. Ustun & N. Sartorius, 1995). Data on depression, somatization, hypochondriasis, neurasthenia, anxious worry, anxious arousal, and hazardous use of alcohol were analyzed for 14 countries (Ns for each country ranged from 196 to 800). Four models were evaluated: a 1-factor model; a 2-factor model in which all syndromes except hazardous use of alcohol represented internalizing problems; and two 3-factor models. The 2-factor model fit best. These results extend previous research on the 2-factor model to the current complaints of attendees of general health care clinics, to a new set of syndromes, and to a variety of both Western and non-Western countries. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Les variables cognitives impliquées dans l'inquiétude face à la maladie.

The essential feature of Hypochondriasis is preoccupation with fear of having a serious disease based on a misinterpretation of bodily symptoms. While it is classified as a somatoform disorder, it presents many similarities with anxiety disorders, particularly Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) which is core feature is excessive worry. Since these disorders present similar symptoms, it is also possible that similar cognitive mechanisms may be involved in their development and maintenance. The goal of the present study was to verify the relationship between illness worry and cognitive mechanisms related to GAD: Intolerance of uncertainty, faulty believes about the usefulness of worry, negative problem orientation, and cognitive avoidance. Three hundred and forty six adults (N=346) participated in this correlational study by completing relevant questionnaires. Results demonstrated that most GAD mechanisms were significant predictors of illness worry. Cognitive avoidance and negative problem orientation, entered first in the model, were the strongest predictors of the variance in illness worry scores. Faulty beliefs about worry explained only a marginal part of that variance once the first two predictors have been entered. Results also suggested that cognitive avoidance was a better predictor of illness worry compared to somatosensory-amplification, a cognitive mechanism considered as central in understanding Hypochondriasis (see Barsky & Wyshak, 1990). Clinical implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Treating Health Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach.

Health anxiety had been somewhat neglected for years as it by nature evades clear diagnostic boundaries, wavering between a somatoform disorder, an anxiety disorder, and in some cases, a delusional disorder. Recently, the topic of health anxiety has received increasing attention, primarily from leaders in the anxiety disorders field, as reflected in the growing literature on the topic. The book "Treating Health Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach" (see record 2005-04429-000), reviewed in this article, is a timely and much needed addition to this area that will appeal to both clinicians and researchers alike. The book's authors have done a fine job producing a comprehensive book on health anxiety that is well written, interesting, and provides broad coverage of the nature, assessment, and treatment of health anxiety. The use of case examples throughout and the relatively short chapters certainly make this an interesting and quick read. This book will be especially useful for clinicians treating the full range of health anxiety, including hypochondriasis, disease phobia, somatic delusion, or any disorder characterized by excessive anxiety about one's health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of the Hypochondriasis Domain: The Multidimensional Inventory of Hypochondriacal Traits (MIHT).

Although hypochondriasis is associated with the costly use of unnecessary medical resources, this mental health problem remains largely neglected. A lack of clear conceptual models and valid measures has impeded accurate assessment and hindered progress. The Multidimensional Inventory of Hypochondriacal Traits (MIHT) addresses these deficiencies with scales that correspond to a 4-factor model. The MIHT was built with construct validity as a guiding principle and began with an item pool that broadly assessed dimensions identified in the literature. The items were administered to large samples; factor analyses of the responses led to item pool revisions and scale refinements. Multiple studies validated the final MIHT scales and 4-factor model; these findings suggest that the MIHT will contribute to theory and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)