ABSTRACT
A practical means for the primary physician to treat hypochondriasis and several other somatoform disorders is described by R. Kellner. Patients are given accurate information about the interaction between their emotions and possible physical symptoms; the benign nature of the somatoform disorder is emphasized; and the fact that there is a good medical prognosis is celebrated by the physician. Traditional insight-oriented psychotherapy can be helpful for patients whose hypochondriasis is symptomatic of neurotic conflict, and who are willing to engage in it. Group therapy is a cost-effective alternative to individual psychotherapy or visits to the primary physician, and can provide ventilation, interpersonal relationships, and help with dependency needs. The psychiatrist may thus assist when conversion patients present in a general hospital setting, by helping to differentiate conversion from organic symptoms or malingering, and by educating the hospital staff in methods of humane management and approaches to the patient.
