HYPOCHONDRIASIS

HYPOCHONDRIASIS: Excerpt from Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs

Ask the Following Questions:

1. Is there loss of libido and/or appetite? The findings of loss of libido and appetite would suggest endogenous depression. There may also be insomnia.
2. Is there loss of memory or concentration? These findings suggest the possibility of an organic brain syndrome or cerebral arteriosclerosis. Epilepsy may also be involved.
3. Does extensive testing fail to convince the patient he or she is well? If extensive testing fails to convince the patient he or she is well, the diagnoses of delusional hypochondriasis and schizophrenia must be considered.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

The diagnostic workup need not be extensive, but certain routine tests should be done. These include a CBC, sedimentation rate, chemistry panel, thyroid profile, EKG, chest x-ray, and flat plate of the abdomen. If there are complaints of memory loss and/or poor concentration, an EEG and CT scan of the brain may be done. A neurologist should be consulted. If the above tests fail to disclose an organic cause for the complaints and the patient is still not convinced he/she is well, referral to a psychiatrist is indicated.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

More About Hypochondriasis

• Back to disease: Hypochondriasis: Introduction
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Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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