Pediatric Hypochondriasis Workup

  • Author: Maria Sandra Cely-Serrano, MD; Chief Editor: Caroly Pataki, MD   more...
 
Updated: Aug 19, 2011
 

Laboratory Studies

  • Patients with hypochondriasis often seek exhaustive batteries of tests, which are often excessive relative to their symptoms. The diagnosis of somatoform disorder should not be a diagnosis of exclusion. Rather, the diagnosis should be based on the following positive findings: clear evidence that normal function is possible and a positive history of psychosocial stress, intrapsychic conflict, or both.
  • A thorough physical examination is indicated to rule out any pertinent medical conditions, along with a mental status examination and a psychosocial history.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Maria Sandra Cely-Serrano, MD  Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, Center for Child Development, Florida Hospital

Maria Sandra Cely-Serrano, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Anna Maria Wilms Floet, MD  Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Behavior and Developmental, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Anna Maria Wilms Floet, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Angelo P Giardino, MD, PhD  Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine; Medical Director, Texas Children's Health Plan, Inc

Angelo P Giardino, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Academic Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Harris County Medical Society, Helfer Society, and International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Disclosure: Bayer Honoraria Review panel membership; Pfizer Grant/research funds Independent contractor; MedImmune Honoraria Review panel membership; Teva Pharmacutical travel & honoraria Managed Care Advisory Panel; CIGNA Honoraria Physician Advisory Council

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Carrie Sylvester, MD, MPH  Senior Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Sound Mental Health

Carrie Sylvester, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Caroly Pataki, MD  Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Division Chair, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Caroly Pataki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York Academy of Sciences, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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