Body as the Source of Threat and Fear of Death in Hypochondriasis and Panic Disorder

This article explores the relationship between the perception of body and fear of death in hypochondriasis and panic disorder and discusses its treatment implications. The perception of danger originating from one’s body is directly related to the fear of body, perception of death, and fear of death in hypochondriasis and panic disorder, although there are some differences in this respect between the two conditions. Numerous studies suggest that the origin of the specific perceptions of the body and death can be found in the childhood of many people with these disorders, regardless of whether they are a consequence of the disturbances in early object relations or of the unfavourable or traumatic events. In the course of treatment of hypochondriasis and panic disorder, greater attention should be paid to the perception of body, attitude towards death, and fear of body and death. The goals are a more realistic appraisal of threat posed by the body, modifications of the attitudes towards the body, health, illness and death, and disappearance of the pathological fear of death. The article describes procedures that can be used to achieve these treatment goals.