Hyponchandriasis

• The Case of Harold Payne by Don Nathanson, 8/11/96
  
  

I am fascinated by Harold's Hypondriacal symptoms which
seem to have stopped "a decade earlier." The only evidence
I find in Dr. Nathonson's first session summary is his 
second son's birth 11 years ago. I am unable to connect
this with the decade reference.
Typically the hypochondriacal patient is reclusive and self-
preoccupied with prominent narcissistic traits. Anxiety is high. 
What led him to give up his
hypochondrical symptoms? Was it Meg. Did he withdraw his
body cathexis to a Meg cathexis?
With the anxiety, narcissistic, and hysterical features,
I look forward to Dr. Nathonson's treatment with regard to
his affect theory.
The narcissitic dimension might make it difficult 
to establish a working alliance with Harold.

Norm

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