Techniques for Interviewing the Somatising Patient

Abstract

Liaison psychiatrists need to interview somatising patients in a way which allows a full assessment of the problem. This can best be achieved if the psychiatrist has already discussed with the referring physician the reason for referral and what the patient has been told about it. The medical notes should always be reviewed in detail and independent data obtained from a relative or other informant. During the interview itself the psychiatrist must be prepared to use techniques which deepen rapport with the patient, who may be initially wary or hostile. The psychiatrist should attempt to establish early a treatment alliance. Special aspects of the mental state need to be noted, including the patient's attitude to his/her symptoms and the strength with which somatic beliefs are held. Different approaches may be used according to the nature of the problem and the therapeutic style of the doctor. An awareness of these interview techniques would greatly reduce the chances of fruitless interviews with a hostile patient who believes the symptoms are being dismissed as being ‘all in the mind’.