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[Somatoform disorders and functional somatic syndromes]
C Lahmann1, P Henningsen, A Dinkel
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München, Langerstrasse 3, 81675, München, Deutschland. lahmann@tum.de
Der Nervenarzt
|October 9, 2010
Summary
Somatoform symptoms, often chronic and disabling without clear organic cause, are common in primary care. Effective treatments include cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapies, with medication useful for comorbid conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Primary Care Medicine
Context:
- Somatoform symptoms are prevalent in primary care settings.
- These symptoms lack clear organic pathology but are often long-lasting and disabling.
- The course of somatoform disorders is typically chronic with low remission rates.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of somatoform symptoms and disorders.
- To discuss the prevalence, course, and contributing factors of somatoform disorders.
- To review current understanding of classification and treatment options.
Summary:
- Somatoform symptoms are common, chronic, and disabling conditions without identifiable organic causes, frequently encountered in primary care.
- Multiple factors contribute to the development and persistence of these disorders.
- Empirical evidence supports cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic-interpersonal therapies, while pharmacotherapy is secondary, mainly for comorbid depression or anxiety.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant impact of somatoform disorders on primary care.
- Underscores the need for effective psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Suggests potential changes in diagnostic classification (DSM-V) and emphasizes evidence-based treatment strategies.
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