Behavior modification of abnormal gait and chronic pain secondary to somatization disorder

An interdisciplinary team, which included a physiatrist, psychologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, and nursing staff, undertook the treatment of a 33-year-old woman with a 16-year history of gait problems and multiple somatic complaints. Previously, she had been followed by a number of physicians and had undergone both invasive and noninvasive diagnostic procedures as well as several surgical procedures. After limited response to such treatment, she was referred to the outpatient PM&R clinic for evaluation. Physical and psychologic study led to a primary diagnosis of somatization disorder, leading to inpatient treatment which combined a systematic gait-training program, withdrawal of reinforcement for maladaptive disability-related behavior, and reinforcement of increases in normal activities. The patient attained all of the goals in her program in 11 weeks.