Health anxiety and hypochondriasis: Interpersonal extensions of the cognitive–behavioral perspective.

2010 ◽  
pp. 261-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula G. Williams ◽  
Timothy W. Smith ◽  
Kevin D. Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Behavioral Perspective

Conceptualizations of ‘cyberchondria’ and relations to the anxiety spectrum: A systematic review and meta-analyses (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Kathrin Schenkel ◽  
Stefanie M. Jungmann ◽  
Maria Gropalis ◽  
Michael Witthoeft
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Model ◽  
Meta Analyses

BACKGROUND “Cyberchondria” describes detrimental effects of health-related Internet use. Current conceptualizations agree that cyberchondria is associated with anxiety-related pathologies and might best be conceptualized as a safety behavior, but little is known about its exact underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE The present systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted (a) to give an overview of conceptualizations of cyberchondria and its relation to anxiety-related pathologies, (b) to quantify the strength of association to health anxiety by using meta-analytic analyses, and (c) to highlight gaps in the literature, and (d) to outline a hypothetical integrative cognitive-behavioral model of cyberchondria based on the available empirical evidence. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo electronic databases. N = 25 studies were included for the qualitative and n = 7 studies, comprising N = 3,069 individuals, for the quantitative synthesis. Meta-analyses revealed a strong association of cyberchondria (r = .63) and its subfacets (rs = .24 - .66) to health anxiety. RESULTS Results indicate that cyberchondria is a construct distinct, yet related to, health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety sensitivity. Further studies should distinguish between state and trait markers of anxiety-related pathologies and use experimental and naturalistic longitudinal designs to differentiate among risk factors, triggers, and consequences related to cyberchondria. CONCLUSIONS Health-related Internet use in the context of health anxiety is best conceptualized as a health-related safety behavior maintained through intermittent reinforcement. We present a corresponding integrative cognitive-behavioral model.

Long Term Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Patients with Health Anxiety

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S111-S112
Author(s):  
K.E. Veddegjaerde
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Term Effect ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Long Term Effect

IntroductionCognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be an effective treatment of excessive health anxiety (HA), but the long-term effect over 18months has not been examined.ObjectivesSeveral studies have shown effect of CBT for HA-patients. However, these effects have been short or immediate after therapy. To our knowledge no studies have examined long-term effect of CBT for HA over 18 months.AimsTo investigate the long-term effect of CBT on HA, focusing on level of HA, quality of life, subjective health complaints and general anxiety. Follow-up time was at least 10 years. Our hypothesis was that the effect was sustained.MethodsPatients with HA received 16 sessions of CBT over a period of 12–18 months, and were followed up over at least 10 years. All patients fulfilled criteria for F45.2, hypochondriacal disorder according to ICD-10.The patients answered several questionnaires, exploring areas such as HA, Quality of life, somatization, and mental health problems. Questionnaires were answered before CBT, after CBT and at follow up. Mixed model analysis was performed in SPSS 23.0 for all questionnaires.ResultsAll scores were found to be significant in the Pre-CBT–Post-CBT and Pre-CBT–FU (0.034– < 0.001), and none were found to be significant in the Post-CBT–FU.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that for the majority of patients with HA, CBT has a significant and lasting long-term effect. This effect lasts up to ten years post therapy.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Anxiety, panic and adult asthma: A cognitive-behavioral perspective

2007 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vandana M. Deshmukh ◽  
Brett G. Toelle ◽  
Tim Usherwood ◽  
Brian O’Grady ◽  
Christine R. Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Adult Asthma ◽  
Behavioral Perspective
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