In a recent study, patients with Hypochondriasis were randomly assigned to either Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Paroxetine (i.e. Paxil) or a placebo. All patients completed a self-report measure prior to treatment, and after 16 weeks of treatment or placebo.
Of the 82 patients who completed the course of treatment:
54% of patients who received CBT improved.
38% of patients who received Paroxetine improved.
12% of patients who received placebo improved.
The team who completed the study reported that, “subjects appeared to be less frequently and intensively preoccupied with their fears of having a serious disease and also had less associated depressive, anxious, and psychoneurotic symptoms.”
Great news for patients with Hypochondriasis.