Reassurance and treatment of hypochondriasis.

This article critically examines views that reassurance is ineffective or antitherapeutic in the management of hypochondriasis. It presents a comprehensive definition of medical reassurance, and describes a therapeutic approach to hypochondriasis based on repeated and consistent provision of reassurance within a framework of psychodynamic psychotherapy. "Relational" aspects of reassurance-giving are emphasized over the sheer explanatory power of reassurance, so that this treatment is most suitable for those hypochondriacal patients who primarily seek a "sheltering" or soothing therapeutic relationship, along with acceptance from the reassurance-giving figure.