Hypochondriasis Modern Perspectives on an Ancient Malady

Hypochondriassis remains controversial, despite its 2000-year history.Although it is considered a mental disorder, hypochondriasis is often regardedas a defense mechanism, peculiar cognitive/ perceptual style, means of nonverbalcommunication, response to stress, abnormal illness behavior, personality trait,distinct personality disturbance, and part of other menatl disorders.Disagreements about etiology and pathogenesis of hypochondriasis go hand in handwith disagreements about its treatment. this book fills the need for a modern,balanced, in-depth, and integrative overview of hypochondriasis as a mentaldisorder with diverse manifestations. Written by world experts and fromdifferent perspectives, it aims to be a state-of-the-art text, demonstrating howthe current concepts of hypochondriasis are linked with its rich history,critically examining diagnostic and nosologic issues and suggesting ways ofoverciming the conceptual obstacles, describing current views on the etiology,pathogenesis and psychopathology, presenting main treatment approaches, andproviding treatment guidelines. This book is intended for both practicingclinicians and researchers. An important resource for all psychiatrists, primarycare physicians, clinical psychologists, and other mental health professionals,it will also be of interest for psychiatry residents, medical students, graduatestudents in clinical psychology, and lay public.