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Cognitive-Behavioural Bibliotherapy for Hypochondriasis: A Pilot Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2009

Femke M. Buwalda  and
Theo K. Bouman
Femke M. Buwalda
Affiliation:
Groningen University, The Netherlands
Theo K. Bouman*
Affiliation:
Groningen University, The Netherlands
*
Reprint requests to Theo Bouman, Groningen University, Department of Clinical and Developmental Psychology, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, Groningen 9712 TS, The Netherlands. E-mail: t.k.bouman@rug.nl.
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Abstract

Aims: The present study aims to determine whether cognitive-behavioural minimal contact bibliotherapy is acceptable to participants suffering from DSM-IV-TR hypochondriasis, and whether this intervention is able to reduce hypochondriacal complaints, as well as comorbid depressive complaints and trait anxiety. Method: Participants were assigned to either an immediate treatment condition, or subsequently to a waiting list condition. Participants were sent a book, Doctor, I Hope it's Nothing Serious?, containing cognitive behavioural theory and exercises. Measures were taken pre, post and at follow-up (after 3 months). Those in the waiting list group received a second pre-assessment, and were then enrolled in the bibliotherapy. Results: Results showed that participants were accepting of the cognitive-behavioural theory. Furthermore, results showed beneficial effects of the intervention: all effect measures decreased significantly over time, with the largest effect at post-assessment. However, a large amount of questionnaires were not returned. Conclusion: It is concluded that bibliotherapy may be an efficient aid in reducing hypochondriacal and comorbid complaints, but due to data attrition and methodological flaws should first be studied further.

Keywords

Bibliotherapyhypochondriasispsychoeducationcognitive-behavioural treatment
Type
Brief Clinical Reports
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 37 , Issue 3 , May 2009 , pp. 335 - 340
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2009

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