Clinical Trial: Integrated Treatment Program for Hypochondriasis in Primary Care Settings

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Treating Refractory Symptoms in Primary Care (Hypochondriasis: Diagnosis, Description and Medical Care)

Brief Summary: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated three-part treatment program in improving the quality of care and treatment outcomes of people with hypochondriasis in primary care settings.

Detailed Summary:

Hypochondriasis, which is classified as a type of somatoform disorder, is one of the most difficult psychiatric disorders to treat. It is prevalent in primary care settings, and is a major source of suffering for patients and frustration for physicians. People with hypochondriasis tend to become preoccupied with the fear of having a serious disease, despite appropriate medical evaluations and reassurance that indicate otherwise. The disorder usually occurs in episodes lasting from months to years, separated by equally long periods of quiescence. Existing strategies for treating hypochondriasis include psychotherapy, medication treatment, and alternative treatments, such as exercise and electroconvulsive therapy. An effective treatment program should target the needs of both patients and physicians, as well as the structure of the delivery system. Components of such a program have been developed, but have not yet been integrated and tested in a clinical setting. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated three-part treatment program in improving hypochondriasis treatment and quality of care outcome in primary care settings.

Participants in this 6-month, single-blind study will first undergo baseline assessments. They will then be randomly assigned to partake in either the three-part treatment program or relaxation response training, in which patients are taught to use muscle relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Over the course of the study, participants assigned to the three-part program will attend five self-scheduled, 30-minute sessions of psychoeducational counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Sessions will focus on common hypochondriacal cognitive distortions and misunderstandings about symptoms, disease, and medical care. Additionally, the doctors and nurses at the participating hospital will undergo a training program to imp
Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Current Primary Outcome: Whitely Index [ Time Frame: Measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment ]

Original Primary Outcome: Whitely Index (measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment)

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Health Anxiety Inventory [ Time Frame: Measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment ]
  • Modified Cognitions Questionnaire [ Time Frame: Measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment ]
  • Somatic Symptom Inventory [ Time Frame: Measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment ]
  • Functional Status Questionnaire [ Time Frame: Measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment ]
  • Client Satisfaction Index [ Time Frame: Measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment ]


Original Secondary Outcome:

  • Health Anxiety Inventory
  • Modified Cognitions Questionnaire
  • Somatic Symptom Inventory
  • Functional Status Questionnaire
  • Client Satisfaction Index (all measured immediately post-treatment and at Months 6 and 12 post-treatment)


Information By: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Dates:
Date Received: August 23, 2006
Date Started: May 2005
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 15, 2013
Last Verified: March 2013