[Clinical variants of hypochondriac state in patients with duodenal ulcer].

Aim: To describe some clinical variants of hypochondriac syndrome in patients with duodenal ulcer (DU).

Material And Methods: A hypochondriac trend was studied clinically and was confirmed by changes in the first scale of AMPI in 150 DU patients. If the first scale contained a rise over 70 points, the examinee was stated to be much concerned about his/her health.

Results: Hypochondriac syndrome in exacerbation was registered in 59 (39.3%) patients. It was accompanied with anxiety in 28.8% cases. Introversion and original attitude to somatic disorders were observed in 25.4% cases. Demonstrative behavior was seen in 23.8% patients. Depressive trends occurred in 13.5% patients. Conception of the disease was confirmed in 5.1% cases. Hypochondriac state with protest reactions and hyperthymic effect occurred least frequently (1 and 1 case, respectively).

Conclusion: Hypochondriac states aggravate DU, deteriorate quality of life. Early diagnosis of a variant of hypochondriac syndrome enables a directed individual psychotherapy which improves emotional state of the patient and prevent further development of psychopathological traits.