Perhaps because cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in such a wide range of conditions, availability is often limited.

However, it is beginning to look as if CBT works equally well when delivered remotely.

In a three month trial in a primary care setting in Sweden, internet delivered CBT was no worse than face-to-face CBT for patients with high levels of anxiety about their health.

Regardless of how it was delivered, CBT produced benefits not only for hypochondriasis but for general anxiety and depression too.