Posted by greywolf on March 17, 2004, at 17:34:29
In reply to Re: memory and meds, posted by Nanter1 on March 17, 2004, at 14:25:48
In the presence of repeated and uncontrollable health "checking" behaviors that provide relief in the form of reassurance, I would agree with Luke that hypochondriasis could be treated like OCD. But what Josh describes appears to be generalized and irrational anxiety over various health issues without associated ritualistic behavior. This type of HC would likely be treated more from an anxiety standpoint than from an OCD perspective (for instance, CBT might not be appropriate).
I have a rather severe form of traditional OCD (obsessions coupled with increasingly burdensome ritualistic behaviors related to fears of serious adverse consequences if the behaviors are not performed). What Josh describes does not resemble core OCD behavior, so it seems to me important that you, Josh, keep in mind that HC may be in the OCD spectrum as Luke says, but you may not need to fear developing some of the more debilitating OCD features.
Of course, HC itself is no laughing matter in its severe presentation, so you should obviously talk seriously about it with your doc.
poster:greywolf
thread:324657
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040313/msgs/325371.html