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Feasibility of Videoconference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Somatic Symptom Disorder: Single-Arm Pilot
Hideki Nakamura1, Kayoko Taguchi2, Masayuki Katsushima3
1Department of Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Toho University, 4-16-20, Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-0015, Japan, 81 03-3762-9881.
JMIR Formative Research
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Videoconference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (vCBT) is a feasible and safe treatment for Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). This approach showed preliminary effectiveness in improving physical and mental health outcomes for SSD patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Telehealth
- Mental Health Treatment
Background:
- Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) involves persistent physical symptoms and distressing health-related thoughts/behaviors.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for SSD but faces access challenges.
- Videoconference-based CBT (vCBT) offers a flexible solution to improve treatment accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and safety of vCBT for patients diagnosed with SSD.
- To explore vCBT's impact on physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the SF-36 PCS score.
- To investigate other secondary clinical outcomes associated with vCBT intervention.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm pilot trial involving 10 participants with SSD.
- Participants received 6 weekly 50-minute vCBT sessions.
- Feasibility assessed by recruitment, retention, and session completion rates; outcomes measured pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up.
Main Results:
- Feasibility criteria met: 83.3% recruitment, 100% retention, 100% session completion, no adverse events.
- Significant improvement in SF-36 PCS score (4.99 points) post-intervention (large effect size).
- Medium to large improvements observed in mental HRQOL, depressive symptoms, anxiety, pain, and insomnia, sustained at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- vCBT is a feasible and safe treatment modality for individuals with SSD.
- The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of vCBT for improving various health outcomes in SSD patients.
- vCBT demonstrates potential for wider adoption in managing Somatic Symptom Disorder.
