This booklet was written by the Heightened Illness Concern Research Team of Columbia University. We have been studying ways to help people who suffer with illness anxiety for over 20 years, using both psychological and medical approaches. This booklet is meant to serve as a guide for patients, their families, and their friends. It contains information on the history and diagnosis of hypochondriasis, as well as a description of other problems that often occur along with hypochondriasis. Further sections discuss current treatment options for hypochondriasis and resources for addressing it. Finally, we have included anonymous patient narratives that provide insight into the life of people living with hypochondriasis. It is the hope of the Heightened Illness Concern Research Team that this booklet will serve to raise awareness about a condition that is extremely disabling and yet frequently goes unrecognized or untreated.
