How does CBT help somatic symptom disorder?
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Somatic symptom disorder facts Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) can be treated effectively in different ways [2],[3],[4]. Some treatment options are more effective than others, and some of them are still in a developmental
stage: promising but needs more research to draw conclusions [4],[9]. Effective somatic symptom disorder treatment is not only important for the individual, but also for the healthcare system; people with SSD have twice the annual medical care costs of nonsomatizing patients [6]. Fortunately, somatic symptom disorder treatment services can be offered both online (Skype) and face-to-face and are equally effective. Jump to: At Barends Psychology Practice, we offer (online) therapy for somatic symptom disorder. Contact us to schedule a first, free of charge, online session. (Depending on your health insurance, treatment may be reimbursed).Somatic symptom disorder treatment – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)The most effective treatment for somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) [2],[3], also in older adults (aged 60 and older) [10]. People with SSD who were treated with CBT reported significantly more improvement on somatic symptoms and self-reported functioning, compared to standard medical care
[8]. The average amount of sessions needed to treat SSD with CBT is 10 [2],[8]; this amount depends on the severity of the somatic symptoms and comorbidity with other mental disorder. There are signs that a CBT therapy type, mindfulness based therapy (MBT), may be more effective in treating some aspects of SSD, but more research is needed. Also, the traditional CBT is more effective than MBT [9]. MBT focuses on a non-judgemental acceptance of physical pain or psychological distress, which reduces the tendency to ruminate over these experiences. Somatic symptom disorder treatment – Psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy (PIT)Difficult to treat and medically unexplained somatic symptoms can be treated effectively with
psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy (PIT). PIT improves patient’s physical quality of life and reduces somatization symptoms [11],[12]. Also, social-occupational function improved in most patients [12]. Unfortunately, depression and health anxiety did not significantly improve in these patients [11]. Somatic symptom disorder treatment – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Approximately 50% of the people with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) have been
traumatized by a primary caregiver [14]. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is effective in treating (childhood) traumatic experiences, which suggests that a possible somatic symptom disorder treatment could be EMDR. In one study, researchers found that EMDR indeed is effective in reducing chronic pains (especially when someone with SSD experienced something traumatic in their childhood) [4], and in another study EMDR was effective in treating phantom limb pain and
the psychological consequences of amputation [5]. (Advertisement, please scroll down for more information regarding SSD treatment) Somatic symptom disorder treatment – Consultation letterThere is scientific evidence suggesting that a psychiatric consultation letter to the primary care physician about strategies for managing the somatizing patient improves physical functioning and reduce costs, but effects on somatic symptoms were not reported [2],[3]. This may be effective for people wild mild SSD, but not for those with more severe somatic symptom disorder symptoms. Somatic symptom disorder treatment – Medications3 studies reported small to moderate effect sizes of medication in the treatment of SSD; two trials of St. John’s wort and one of opipramol for SD-spectrum disorders [2]. More research is needed to be able to say something about medications in the treatment of SSD. Literature:
What is the most effective treatment for somatic symptom disorder?Cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapy are effective for the treatment of somatic symptom disorder.
How is somatoform disorder treated?Treatment options include medications, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs,21,22 and psychotherapy. 23 Nonpharmacologic treatment strategies (e.g., massage, acupuncture) may also be beneficial.
Which therapy is the treatment of choice in somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder?Psychotherapy. Because physical sensations can be related to emotional distress and health anxiety, psychotherapy — particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — can be an effective treatment.
What is the biopsychosocial model for treatment of somatic disorders?The biopsychosocial model of treatment is one of the most effective for somatic disorders as it considers the various biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the illness and presenting symptoms and includes a multidisciplinary approach.
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