• DOI:10.1159/000093948
• Corpus ID: 38387817

Distinguishing between Hypochondriasis and Somatization Disorder: A Review of the Existing Literature

@article{Noyes2006DistinguishingBH,
  title={Distinguishing between Hypochondriasis and Somatization Disorder: A Review of the Existing Literature},
  author={Russell Noyes and Scott P. Stuart and David B. Watson and Douglas R. Langbehn},
  journal={Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics},
  year={2006},
  volume={75},
  pages={270 - 281}
}

• R. Noyes, S. Stuart, +1 author D. Langbehn
• Published 1 August 2006
• Medicine, Psychology
• Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

A valid classification is important for further understanding of the somatoform disorders. The main disorders in this grouping – somatization disorder and hypochondriasis – have lengthy historical traditions and are defined in a contrasting manner. Various authors point to distinguishing demographic and clinical features, but there have been few direct comparisons of patients with these disorders. A review of the literature indicates those domains where differences are most likely to be found. Research assessing these may serve to refine and validate these key somatoform categories and/or dimensions.