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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: A Pilot Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Anne E. M. Speckens ,
Philip Spinhoven ,
Keith E. Hawton ,
Jan H. Bolk  and
Albert M. van Hemert
Anne E. M. Speckens
Affiliation:
University Hospital Leiden
Philip Spinhoven
Affiliation:
University Hospital Leiden
Keith E. Hawton
Affiliation:
Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Jan H. Bolk
Affiliation:
University Hospital Leiden
Albert M. van Hemert
Affiliation:
University Hospital Leiden
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Abstract

The aim of the study was to develop a cognitive behavioural treatment model for medically unexplained physical symptoms and assess its feasibility and effect in a small sample of patients. This study was the first step in the realization of a randomized controlled trial. The study population consisted of consecutive patients presenting at a general medical outpatient clinic, whose symptoms could not be explained by objective abnormal findings. The treatment was based on a general model of the disorder, consisting of the physical symptoms, the patient's attribution and perceived control and the cognitive, behavioural, physical and social consequences. It incorporated record keeping concerning physical symptoms and emotions, identification of cognitions about the symptoms, challenging dysfunctional thoughts and behavioural experiments. At 6–months follow-up, four of the five treated patients were improved with regard to frequency and intensity of the symptoms, psychological distress and functional impairment. The improvement was sustained at 1–year follow-up.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 24 , Issue 1 , January 1996 , pp. 1 - 16
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1996

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