Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
09:55
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
12.3K
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy for Functional Somatic Disorders: A Scoping Review
Allan Abbass1, Behnia Haghiri2
1Allan Abbass, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Canada.
Clinical Neuropsychiatry
|May 22, 2025
Summary
Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) effectively treats functional somatic disorders (FSD). This brief therapy shows efficacy across various FSDs, including chronic pain, and is more effective than CBT for pain management.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Medicine
Background:
- Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are prevalent in neuropsychiatric and specialty medical referrals.
- Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a specialized, emotion-focused brief therapy developed for FSD assessment and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the theoretical basis, diagnostic assessment, treatment strategies, and evidence supporting ISTDP for FSD.
- To consolidate current research on ISTDP's application in managing functional somatic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of over 50 publications on ISTDP and its effects in FSD.
- Analysis of evidence for ISTDP's efficacy and cost-effectiveness in treating FSD spectrum conditions.
Main Results:
- ISTDP is demonstrated as efficacious for a range of FSDs, including chronic pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and functional neurological disorders.
- ISTDP has shown superior effectiveness compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain.
- Evidence suggests ISTDP is a cost-effective treatment for FSD.
Conclusions:
- Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a versatile and valuable clinical intervention for assessing and treating functional somatic disorders.
- ISTDP offers a robust therapeutic option for patients with FSD, supported by a growing body of research.
More Related Videos
06:28Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
398
06:04Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
412
Related Concept Videos
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
01:28Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a versatile, nonmedical approach aimed at helping individuals address emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues to enhance their overall well-being. It can involve one-on-one sessions, couples counseling, or small group discussions with a therapist. The therapeutic process includes various techniques such as open discussion, interpretation of thoughts and behaviors, active listening, positive reinforcement, and role modeling. Psychotherapy aims to support individuals in...
01:29Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:30Family Therapy
Family therapy conceptualizes psychological challenges as arising from dysfunctional interactions within the family unit, rather than as isolated issues within individuals. This approach seeks to address and transform the patterns of communication, roles, and relationships within families to promote healthier dynamics and emotional well-being for all members.
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
01:25Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited therapeutic approach initially developed to treat depression. It integrates key concepts from psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral therapies, making it a uniquely eclectic framework. The therapy is rooted in the interpersonal theories of Adolph Meyer and Harry Stack Sullivan, as well as John Bowlby's attachment theory, and focuses on the interplay between interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being.