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Psychosocial interventions for somatizing patients by the general practitioner: a randomized controlled trial
Astrid Larisch1, Axel Schweickhardt, Michael Wirsching
1Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Freiburg, Hauptstr. 8, Freiburg D-79104, Germany.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|December 15, 2004
Summary
This study found that reattribution techniques in general practice (GP) showed small, short-term benefits for somatizing patients, primarily reducing physical symptoms compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- General Practice
- Psychosocial Interventions
Background:
- Somatizing patients present complex challenges in primary care.
- Effective psychosocial interventions are needed to manage somatoform symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare a modified reattribution model intervention with nonspecific psychosocial primary care (PPC) for somatizing patients.
- To evaluate the impact on somatoform symptoms and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two general practitioners (GPs) were randomized into an intervention group (trained in reattribution) or a control group.
- One hundred twenty-seven patients with somatizing symptoms were included in the study.
- Primary outcomes included somatoform symptoms, quality of life, depression, and anxiety.
Main Results:
- At 3-month follow-up, the intervention group showed significant reductions in physical symptoms, improved physical functioning, and decreased depression and anxiety.
- These improvements, except for physical symptoms, were not sustained at 6-month follow-up after controlling for baseline variables.
Conclusions:
- Reattribution techniques demonstrated small, short-term effects on physical symptoms in somatizing patients.
- The benefits were limited compared to nonspecific psychosocial primary care alone.