Characteristics and one-year follow-up of primary care patients with health anxiety

Health anxiety is frequent, both amongst the general population and in Primary Care (PC) clinical contexts in which prevalence of between 8% and 20% has been found. Hypochondriac disorders have less prevalence, although they have been calculated at between 3% and 6%. States of health anxiety are characterised by recurrent, highly emotive thoughts about the possibility of suffering or contracting a serious illness. The patient frequently shows characteristic behavioural patterns such as checking his/her body, seeking medical reassurance or behaviour aimed at avoiding external stimuli and thoughts/images related to the illness. Such behavioural patterns have also been regarded as important factors in perpetuating these problems. Hypochondriac worries, on the other hand, are associated with emotional disturbances and disorders, more frequent use of health services and affectation of quality of life. Clinical and research interest in health anxiety is a result of the high personal and health-care costs associated with it, given the prevalence of the problem in medical contexts. PRIMARY CARE AND COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRY VOL. 10, NO. 3, 2005, 89–101