A CASE STUDY OF HYPOCHONDRIASIS: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL APPROACH

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aims to explore the course of hypochondriasis and to assess the efficacy of cognitive behavioral approach in alleviating the symptoms associated with hypochondriasis and to improve the client’s overall functioning.

Research Design: Case study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi, Pakistan, 2012.

Sample and Method: 40 years old married male engineer. Besides interview sessions, standardized psychological assessment tools were used to aid the assessment process. Treatment plan was formulated according to Cognitive Behavior Therapy wherein different cognitive and behavioral techniques were utilized to modify the client’s hypochondriacal beliefs and the associated behaviors.

Result: Findings of the assessment showed significant distress and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Stressor activates his dysfunctional belief which shifts his attention to minor bodily perturbations and results in misinterpretation of these trivial variations. According to DSM-IV TR, he met the criteria for hypochondriasis. Cognitive Behavior Therapy successfully restructured his dysfunctional beliefs and remarkably improved his functioning.

Conclusion: On the basis of results, it can be ascertained that Cognitive Behavior Therapy is an effective approach to treat hypochondriasis