Theoretical and methodological review of hypochondria in psychological and medical sciences

Nowadays, the problem of hypochondria affects both narrow subject biomedical areas and general medical practice, the role of psychological intervention in which is constantly growing. This study is aimed at historical and psychological analysis of works on hypochondria from medical and psychological perspectives. Aims: the paper aims to summarize the ideas about hypochondria in classical and contemporary psychological studies; substantiate the necessity of psychological support for patients with hypochondria. Theoretical basis: In psychoanalytic theory, hypochondria is associated with fears and can be interpreted as neurosis. In cognitive behavioral therapy, hypochondria is a habit of a catastrophic appraisal of somatic sensations, which results in interpreting them as symptoms of a severe disease. Perinatal psychology explains hypochondria through parental overprotection. Results: Theoretical and methodological analysis made it possible to find a contradiction that could affect the prospects for further study of hypochondria: despite the large amount of data on the problem of hypochondria, these studies do not provide information about express diagnostic programs and short-term care for patients with such personality features. Conclusion: According to the latest data, the frequency of hypochondria is increasing in the pandemic, which makes relevant systematic psychological care as far as the global COVID-19 situation requires effective diagnostic programs and short-term care techniques.