What is the management approach for hypochondriasis?

The management approach for hypochondriasis, also referred to as illness anxiety disorder, emphasizes the importance of continuity of care and the therapeutic alliance between the patient and their primary care provider. By encouraging frequent visits to one primary care doctor, it helps to build trust and rapport, which can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with health concerns. This consistency allows the provider to offer reassurance, address any new symptoms, and provide education about the patient's condition, which can reduce the frequency and intensity of health-related anxiety.

Establishing a strong relationship with a single physician can prevent the patient from seeking unnecessary medical tests and consultations with multiple specialists, which may exacerbate their fears and increase anxiety. This approach supports the patient's mental well-being by minimizing the validation-seeking behavior commonly seen in hypochondriasis while still providing a space for the patient to express their concerns and receive appropriate guidance.

Other options, such as increased diagnostic testing or referral to a psychiatrist, do not align with the most effective management strategies for this condition. Increasing tests could reinforce the patient's fears and perpetuate a cycle of anxiety, while not all patients with illness anxiety disorder require psychiatric referral as a first step. Similarly, while psychiatric medications may be useful in some cases, they are not the