Scale 1 was originally designed to distinguish hypochondriacs from other types of psychiatric patients. Although it can suggest a diagnosis of hypochondriasis, it is most useful as a scale to indicate a variety of personality characteristics that are often consistent with, but not necessarily diagnostic of, hypochondriasis. High scorers show not only a high concern with illness and disease, but also are likely to be egocentric, immature, pessimistic, sour, whiny, and passive-aggressive. They rarely act out directly but, rather, express hostility indirectly and are likely to be critical of others. Their complaints are usually related to a wide variety of physical difficulties. An important purpose of these complaints is to manipulate and control others. Low scores suggest an absence of these complaints.