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Management of somatoform disorders
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne. david.clarke@med.monash.edu.au
Australian Family Physician
|April 1, 2000
Summary
General practitioners (GPs) can manage patients with physical symptoms but no apparent disease by using re-attribution techniques. This approach reduces patient distress and prevents unnecessary medical interventions.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Undiagnosed physical illness causes significant patient distress and burdens healthcare systems.
- General practitioners (GPs) are frequently involved in managing patients with unexplained physical symptoms.
- These conditions pose challenges for both clinicians and the wider health system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the re-attribution technique for reducing patients' focus on physical symptoms.
- To outline principles for managing patients with chronic somatization.
- To empower GPs in addressing somatoform disorders.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the application of the re-attribution technique.
- It provides principles for the clinical management of somatizing patients.
- Emphasis is placed on the GP's role in patient education and care coordination.
Main Results:
- Re-attribution can decrease patients' excessive focus on somatic complaints.
- Effective management by GPs can prevent the reinforcement of somatic perceptions.
- This approach helps reduce illness behavior in patients with somatoform symptoms.
Conclusions:
- GPs play a crucial role in managing patients with somatoform symptoms, both acute and chronic.
- Education, reassurance, and re-attribution can prevent symptom reinforcement and reduce illness behavior.
- For chronic cases, GPs act as case managers to minimize medical interventions and optimize patient functioning.