Hypothesis: involvement of the serotonergic system in the clinical expression of monosymptomatic hypochondriasis.
B H King
Pharmacopsychiatry March 1990 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1014488 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Pimozide |
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Key findings | Argues that pimozide has shown efficacy in monosymptomatic hypochondriasis, a group of disorders the author says are common and can cause significant morbidity. Drawing on LSD as a model of 5-HT2 agonist-mediated hallucinogenesis, the author proposes that potent 5-HT2 antagonism is a shared and perhaps requisite property of drugs that successfully treat the disorder, and calls for further studies of its pathophysiology. |
Abstract
Monosymptomatic hypochondriasis, including delusional parasitosis and non-neurotic dysmorphophobia, are disorders which have been observed and recorded over the past century. These disorders occur commonly, and can be associated with significant morbidity. Once ominous of an extremely poor prognosis, there now exists a significant literature to suggest efficacy for pimozide. Taking LSD as a model for 5-HT2 agonist mediated hallucinogenesis, it is possible to draw comparisons to the clinical picture associated with MHP and to identify potent 5-HT2 antagonism as a shared and perhaps requisite criterion for the successful pharmacologic treatment of this disorder. Additional studies are suggested which would add to the understanding of the pathophysiology of MHP.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on serotonin, most cited first.