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Cognitive behavior therapy for somatization disorder: a preliminary investigation
L A Allen1, R L Woolfolk, P M Lehrer
1Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway 08854, USA. allenla@umdnj.edu
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) significantly improved physical discomfort and disability in patients with somatization disorder. These positive outcomes were sustained eight months post-treatment, suggesting CBT
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Somatization disorder is characterized by high disability rates.
- Patients with somatization disorder often exhibit resistance to conventional treatments.
- There is a need for effective therapeutic interventions for this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a 10-session cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) protocol.
- To assess the impact of CBT on physical discomfort and disability in severely impaired somatizers.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary investigation was conducted.
- Patients diagnosed with somatization disorder received a 10-session CBT protocol.
- Physical discomfort and disability were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and eight-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Patients reported significant improvements in symptomatology from baseline to post-treatment.
- Significant improvements in physical functioning were observed between baseline and follow-up.
- The positive effects of CBT were maintained eight months after treatment completion.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) shows promise as a beneficial treatment for somatization disorder.
- The findings support the potential of CBT in reducing physical discomfort and disability.
- Further controlled treatment trials are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.
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