Cognitive behavior therapy for somatization disorder: a preliminary investigation

Patients diagnosed with somatization disorder have high rates of disability and often prove refractory to treatment. This preliminary investigation examines the effect of a 10-session cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) protocol on the physical discomfort and disability of severely impaired somatizers. The severity of patients' physical discomfort and disability was assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and eight months following treatment. Patients reported significant improvement in symptomatology and physical functioning between baseline and post-treatment as well as between baseline and follow-up. The findings suggest that CBT might benefit patients diagnosed with somatization disorder and should be subjected to a controlled treatment trial.