Attributional tendencies in hypochondriasis: characteristics and changes with treatment

Abstract

The cognitive approach proposes that both hypochondriasis and panic disorder are characterized by the misinterpretation of bodily sensations as sign of disease. The more effective therapeutic proposals for these disorders are focused on the modification of such interpretative bias. In order to analyse these topics two studies were carried out. The first study examined some differences between the interpretations characteristic of hypochondriasis and those typical of panic disorder. The Ambiguous Events Questionnaire (AEQ) and the Bodily Sensations Interpretation Questionnaire (BSIQ) were administered to 17 patients with hypochondriasis, 17 patients with panic disorder and 17 normal subjects. The results showed that the clinical groups differed in the type of bodily sensations that are considered as sign of disease and in the time course of perceived threat, however showed the same dysfunctional behaviours. The second study examined the changes caused by a cognitive-behavioural treatment in hypochondriasis group. The AEQ was administered before and after the treatment and at 2 and 6 months follow-up. The results showed that the therapy improved the tendency of patients to attribute negative consequences at symptoms.