| Contact Us: illnessconcern@aol.com | 212-543-5542 |
Active Research Studies as of 4/1/07
Comparison of Psychotherapy and Medication Therapy to Treat Heightened Illness Concern (IRB#4805)
Overview of Study: The purpose of this five year research study is to compare the effectiveness of psychotherapy and medication therapy for people suffering with heightened illness concern (aka, hypochondriasis or illness fears). Previous studies have shown that both psychotherapy and medication therapy can be helpful for people who suffer from heightened illness worry due to medically unexplained symptoms. We do not know however if one type of treatment is better than another. For that reason, the National Institute of Mental Health has funded this study that is being conducted in two locations: in New York City at the Columbia University Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Brian Fallon and in Boston at the Brigham Women's Hospital under the direction of Dr. Arthur Barsky. During the study, medication and treatment are provided at no charge. Study participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments: a) medication and supportive therapy, b) placebo and supportive therapy, c) cognitive educational therapy alone, or d) medication and cognitive educational therapy. Once the treatment is started, patients will be expected to come to the treatment site on 9 occasions over 12 weeks. Then, if improved, patients will return on 3 occasions over the next 12 weeks. After completing the treatment program, we will evaluate you on 2 more occasions over the next 6 months. If at the end of 12 weeks you have not been found to be improving, we will offer three months of treatment of a different kind at no charge for three additional months. If you complete the entire 24 weeks of the treatment phase you can choose to be treated openly at no charge for another three months. In addition, patients can earn up to $550 for completing all 6 research evaluations over the 48 week interval. There are a total of 12-14 visits total over the course of 48 weeks depending on the treatment wing to which you are assigned.
Who is eligible? In general, people who suffer from heightened illness concern between age 18-75 in stable physical health are good candidates. We cannot accept patients who have an unstable medical illness or who are not healthy enough to get to the hospital site for the treatment program.
How do I find out more information about this research study? To find out more information about this study and to determine if you are eligible for this study at the NY site, please contact Emily at 212-543-5542 or contact our study staff by email at illnessconcern@aol.com. If you live in the Boston area and wish to be considered for treatment there, please contact Dr. Barsky's team at Brigham Women's Hospital at 617-732-5969.
Status of study: currently accepting patients for enrollment
Click here to find out information on our additional MRI study.
