Modifying the implicit illness-related self-concept in patients with somatoform disorders may reduce somatic symptoms

According to dual process theories, not only do explicit but also implicit cognitive processes play a major role in the development and maintenance of somatoform disorders(SFDs). Recent evidence [1] suggests that patients with SFD shave a stronger implicit illness-related self-concept, which is related to the experience of medically unexplained symptoms.

The current study was designed to investigate a possible causal link between biased implicit associations and symptoms in SFD patients by experimentally modifying the implicit illness-related self-concept.

Twenty-nine patients with SFDs (according to the DSM-IV) initially completed an Implicit Association Test(IAT) for assessing the implicit illness-related self-concept.Two weeks later, they underwent an evaluative conditioning task to modify the implicit self-concept.

After this procedure, a change toward a healthier implicit self-concept was apparent in the follow-up IAT. A reduction in symptom severity and changes in health- and body-related cognitions were observed 13 days after the training in the follow-up questionnaires.

The findings suggest that a biased implicit self-concept may be causally relevant for symptom experiences inpatients with SFDs. Existing cognitive behavioral treatments for SFDs might benefit from targeting implicit cognitive processes more directly.