In the recently updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the diagnostic concept of hypochondriasis was eliminated and replaced by somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder. Hypochondriasis and Health Anxiety: A Guide for Clinicians, edited by Vladan Starcevic and Russell Noyes and written by prominent clinicians and researchers in the field, addresses current issues in recognizing, understanding, and treating hypochondriasis. Using a pragmatic approach, it offers a wealth of clinically useful information. The book also provides a critical review of the underlying conceptual and treatment issues, addressing varying perspectives and synthesizing the current research. Specific topics the text covers include: clinical manifestations, diagnostic and conceptual issues, classification, relationships with other disorders, assessment, epidemiology, economic aspects, course, outcome and treatment. Additionally, the book discusses patient-physician relationship in the context of hypochondriasis and health anxiety and presents cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal and psychodynamic models and treatments. The authors also address the neurobiological underpinnings of hypochondriasis and health anxiety and pharmacological treatment approaches. Based on the extensive clinical experience of its authors, there are numerous case illustrations and practical examples of how to assess, understand and manage individuals presenting with disease preoccupations, health anxiety and/or beliefs that they are seriously ill. It approaches its subject from various perspectives and is a work of integration and critical thinking about an area often shrouded in controversy.

This comprehensive text covers all the anxiety disorders found in the latest DSM and ICD classifications. Written by two internationally recognized authorities in the field, it provides detailed information about seven principal disorders, including anxiety in the medically ill. For each disorder, the book covers diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, natural history, and differential diagnosis; and describes treatment approaches, both psychological and pharmacological. The authors have thoroughly surveyed the scientific literature of the past two decades, and have added insights from history, philosophy, and the arts. At once scholarly and clinically relevant, this is a definitive reference for psychiatrists at all levels. It will also be of interest to other mental health professionals, and to many physicians in other specialties.

This comprehensive text covers all the anxiety disorders found in the latest DSM and ICD classifications. Written by two internationally recognized authorities in the field, it provides detailed information about seven principal disorders, including anxiety in the medically ill. For each disorder, the book covers diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, natural history, and differential diagnosis; and describes treatment approaches, both psychological and pharmacological. The authors have thoroughly surveyed the scientific literature of the past two decades, and have added insights from history, philosophy, and the arts. At once scholarly and clinically relevant, this is a definitive reference for psychiatrists at all levels. It will also be of interest to other mental health professionals, and to many physicians in other specialties.