A Cognitive-Behavioural Approach to Targeting Sensation-Based and Intrusion-Based Misinterpretations in Health Anxiety: A Single-Case Experimental Study
Abstract
Health anxiety (HA) is common in psychiatric and medical settings.
Cognitive models of HA highlight the role of misinterpreting physical sensations as dangerous.
This report presents the case of a 31-year-old man and the use of a cognitive-behavioural approach to treat his HA which also considers the role of misinterpreting intrusions as abnormal, by drawing on theoretical accounts of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
A single-case experimental design demonstrated reliable improvements in symptom measures of HA and general distress.
Distinguishing sensation-based versus intrusion-based appraisals in HA has implications for interventions in health settings and for refining cognitive theory.
Citations
Lau-Zhu A, Brummer L. A Cognitive-Behavioural Approach to Targeting Sensation-Based and Intrusion-Based Misinterpretations in Health Anxiety: A Single-Case Experimental Study.Behaviour Change, Cambridge University Press (CUP), pp.1 - 11
Page last reviewed: 12 June, 2025
Metadata
Author(s): Brummer, L; Lau-Zhu, Alex
Collection: 123456789/9
Subject(s): Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Health Anxiety
Format(s): Article
Date issued: 2022-11
ID: 1203