Helping the hypochondriac.

Hypochondriasis can be reliably identified and requires a particular therapeutic approach by the family physician. These difficult patients are usually women over 40 with a chronic history of medical work-ups without significant findings, pride in suffering and self-sacrifice and a conviction of being ill which is essential for their self-esteem. To dismiss or confront this conviction results in a drain on medical services, while a supportive approach benefits both physician and patient.