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LoBrutto LR, Keeley JW, Dautovich ND. Applying the Somatic Symptom Disorder Diagnosis to Individuals with Fibromyalgia: Strengths and Limitations. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2024; 31:607-613. [PMID: 38400952 PMCID: PMC11333553 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-024-10005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Amidst broad changes to the somatic disorder diagnoses, DSM-IV pain disorder was absorbed into DSM-5's somatic symptom disorder (SSD) as a specifier. However, clinical research testing of its use for the chronic pain population has been limited and its utility remains inconclusive. Using the exemplar of fibromyalgia, this article evaluates the validity, reliability, clinical utility, and acceptability of the SSD pain specifier. The diagnosis appears to have moderate validity but low specificity for the fibromyalgia population. The pain specifier has neither undergone sufficient field testing nor been evaluated for use by medical providers, with available data suggesting low reliability. Further research is needed to establish clinical utility via assessment of differential treatment outcomes. Concerns about social, legal, and economic consequences of classifying pain patients with a mental health diagnosis are outstanding. The current SSD criteria should be used with caution among the fibromyalgia patient population until its application for chronic pain has been further researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara R LoBrutto
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
| | - Jared W Keeley
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Natalie D Dautovich
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
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Thompson DP, Antcliff D, Woby SR. The role of self-efficacy and catastrophizing in explaining improvements in disability, pain and fatigue among patients with chronic widespread pain treated with physiotherapy: an exploratory analysis. Physiotherapy 2021; 114:96-102. [PMID: 34579952 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most research exploring the relationship between cognitive factors (catastrophizing and self-efficacy beliefs) and levels of pain, disability and fatigue in patients with chronic widespread pain has been performed in multidisciplinary environments. It is less clear whether these associations are valid in other clinical environments. This study therefore aimed to establish whether changes in cognitive factors were related to changes in pain, disability and fatigue among patients treated in a physiotherapy-led symptom management programme. DESIGN A longitudinal pre-post treatment study. Regression analyses were performed with change in pain, disability, physical and mental fatigue as the dependent measures. Demographics, change in pain and fatigue (when not dependent variables) and cognitive factors were entered as independent variables. β values were calculated for the final model. SETTING Two out-patient physiotherapy departments in Manchester, UK. PARTICIPANTS Fifty patients with persistent widespread pain. INTERVENTION A physiotherapist-led symptom management programme. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Disability (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Fatigue (Chalder Fatigue Scale) RESULTS: Significant changes in disability, fatigue and cognitive factors were observed after treatment. Changes in self-efficacy beliefs (β=-0.38, P<0.05) and catastrophizing (β=0.41, P<0.05) were significantly related to reductions in disability. There was no significant relationship between change in the cognitive variables and change in pain or fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Self-efficacy beliefs and catastrophizing were important determinants of change in disability, but not pain or fatigue among patients with chronic widespread pain attending physiotherapy. Cognitively-informed physiotherapy appeared to be effective in reducing disability and fatigue and modifying cognitive factors. Such interventions may offer an effective treatment option for patients with chronic widespread pain and future randomised controlled trials are required to fully assess this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave P Thompson
- Bury Integrated Pain Service, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 2SP, UK; School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Allerton Building, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK; Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building, Manchester M15 6BH, UK.
| | - Deborah Antcliff
- Bury Integrated Pain Service, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 2SP, UK; School of Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Baines Wing, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Steve R Woby
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Allerton Building, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK; Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building, Manchester M15 6BH, UK; Department of Research and Innovation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, Summerfield House, 544 Eccles New Road, Salford, Greater Manchester M5 5AP, UK
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Hüsing P, Löwe B, Olde Hartman TC, Frostholm L, Weigel A. Helpful explanatory models for somatoform symptoms (HERMES): study protocol of a randomised mixed-methods pilot trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044244. [PMID: 33762239 PMCID: PMC7993177 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) are common both in the general population and primary care. They are bothersome in terms of psychological and somatic symptom burden. Health professionals often struggle with communication, as there is a lack of scientifically supported explanatory models for PSS or a focus merely on somatic aspects of the complaints, which both frustrate patients' needs. The objective of the present study is therefore to develop a psychoeducational intervention based on a current evidence-based explanatory model, to examine its feasibility and form the basis for a large-scale randomised controlled trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In a randomised controlled mixed-methods pilot trial, 75 adult psychosomatic outpatients with PSS (duration of symptoms ≥6 months) and accompanying psychological (Somatic Symptom B-Criteria Scale total score ≥18) and somatic symptom burden (Patient Health Questionnaire-15 score >10) and no prior psychosomatic treatment will be eligible. Participants will be presented with either the explanatory model without (intervention group 1, n=25) or with elements of personalisation (intervention group 2, n=25). Participants in the control group (n=25) will receive information on current PSS guidelines. Participants will be blinded to group assignment and interventions will be shown on tablet computers at the outpatient clinic. After 1 month, qualitative follow-up telephone interviews will be conducted. As primary outcomes, mean changes in psychological and somatic symptom burden will quantitatively be compared between groups, respectively. Behavioural change mechanisms and feasibility of the three interventions will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been granted by the medical ethics board of the Hamburg Medical Chamber (PV5653). Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00018803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hüsing
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim C Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Angelika Weigel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Burton C, Fink P, Henningsen P, Löwe B, Rief W. Functional somatic disorders: discussion paper for a new common classification for research and clinical use. BMC Med 2020; 18:34. [PMID: 32122350 PMCID: PMC7052963 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-1505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional somatic symptoms and disorders are common and complex phenomena involving both bodily and brain processes. They pose major challenges across medical specialties. These disorders are common and have significant impacts on patients' quality of life and healthcare costs. MAIN BODY We outline five problems pointing to the need for a new classification: (1) developments in understanding aetiological mechanisms; (2) the current division of disorders according to the treating specialist; (3) failure of current classifications to cover the variety of disorders and their severity (for example, patients with symptoms from multiple organs systems); (4) the need to find acceptable categories and labels for patients that promote therapeutic partnership; and (5) the need to develop clinical services and research for people with severe disorders. We propose 'functional somatic disorders' (FSD) as an umbrella term for various conditions characterised by persistent and troublesome physical symptoms. FSDs are diagnosed clinically, on the basis of characteristic symptom patterns. As with all diagnoses, a diagnosis of FSD should be made after considering other possible somatic and mental differential diagnoses. We propose that FSD should occupy a neutral space within disease classifications, favouring neither somatic disease aetiology, nor mental disorder. FSD should be subclassified as (a) multisystem, (b) single system, or (c) single symptom. While additional specifiers may be added to take account of psychological features or co-occurring diseases, neither of these is sufficient or necessary to make the diagnosis. We recommend that FSD criteria are written so as to harmonise with existing syndrome diagnoses. Where currently defined syndromes fall within the FSD spectrum - and also within organ system-specific chapters of a classification - they should be afforded dual parentage (for example, irritable bowel syndrome can belong to both gastrointestinal disorders and FSD). CONCLUSION We propose a new classification, 'functional somatic disorder', which is neither purely somatic nor purely mental, but occupies a neutral space between these two historical poles. This classification reflects both emerging aetiological evidence of the complex interactions between brain and body and the need to resolve the historical split between somatic and mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Burton
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Northern General Hospital, Samuel Fox House, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK.
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Henningsen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Thompson DP, Antcliff D, Woby SR. Cognitive factors are associated with disability and pain, but not fatigue among physiotherapy attendees with persistent pain and fatigue. Physiotherapy 2019; 106:94-100. [PMID: 31000365 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most research exploring the relationship between cognitive factors and pain, disability and fatigue in patients with persistent pain/fatigue has been performed in multi disciplinary environments. It is unclear whether these associations are consistent in other contexts. This study therefore aimed to establish the relationships between these factors in patients with persistent pain/fatigue referred for physiotherapy treatment. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study assessing the association between cognitive factors (self-efficacy and catastrophizing) and levels of pain, disability, mental fatigue and physical fatigue in patients with persistent pain/fatigue disorders. Data were analysed using regression analyses. SETTING Two out-patient physiotherapy departments, Manchester, UK. PARTICIPANTS 166 patients with persistent pain and fatigue disorders chronic widespread pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Disability was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, whilst mental and physical fatigue were assessed with the sub-scales of the Chalder Fatigue Scale. Pain intensity was measured with a Numeric Pain Rating Scale, self-efficacy with the Chronic Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire and catastrophizing with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. RESULTS Cognitive factors were significantly associated with pain (self-efficacy beliefs β=-0.30, P<0.05; catastrophizing β=0.24, P<0.05) and disability (self-efficacy beliefs β=-0.62, P<0.05), but not fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Similar associations were observed in patients referred to physiotherapy as to those observed in patients treated in multi disciplinary clinical environments. Self-efficacy beliefs appear to be particularly strong determinants of disability, but exert a lesser influence over pain or fatigue. Targeting self-efficacy may be an effective method to reduce disability in patients with persistent pain and fatigue disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave P Thompson
- Bury Integrated Pain Service, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 2SP, UK; School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Allerton Building, Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK; Department of Physiotherapy, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Old Road, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 7TD, UK.
| | - Deborah Antcliff
- Bury Integrated Pain Service, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 2SP, UK; Department of Physiotherapy, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Old Road, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 7TD, UK; School of Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Baines Wing, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Steve R Woby
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Allerton Building, Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK; Department of Research and Innovation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, Summerfield House, 544 Eccles New Road, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 5AP, UK
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Ziebold C, Goldberg DP, Reed GM, Minhas F, Razzaque B, Fortes S, Robles R, Lam TP, Bobes J, Iglesias C, Cogo-Moreira H, García JÁ, Mari JJ. Dimensional analysis of depressive, anxious and somatic symptoms presented by primary care patients and their relationship with ICD-11 PHC proposed diagnoses. Psychol Med 2019; 49:764-771. [PMID: 29860958 PMCID: PMC6425363 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718001381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A study conducted as part of the development of the Eleventh International Classification of Mental Disorders for Primary Health Care (ICD-11 PHC) provided an opportunity to test the relationships among depressive, anxious and somatic symptoms in PHC. METHOD Primary care physicians participating in the ICD-11 PHC field studies in five countries selected patients who presented with somatic symptoms not explained by known physical pathology by applying a 29-item screening on somatic complaints that were under study for bodily stress disorder. Patients were interviewed using the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised and assessed using two five-item scales that measure depressive and anxious symptoms. Structural models of anxious-depressive symptoms and somatic complaints were tested using a bi-factor approach. RESULTS A total of 797 patients completed the study procedures. Two bi-factor models fit the data well: Model 1 had all symptoms loaded on a general factor, along with one of three specific depression, anxiety and somatic factors [x2 (627) = 741.016, p < 0.0011, RMSEA = 0.015, CFI = 0.911, TLI = 0.9]. Model 2 had a general factor and two specific anxious depression and somatic factors [x2 (627) = 663.065, p = 0.1543, RMSEA = 0.008, CFI = 0.954, TLI = 0.948]. CONCLUSIONS These data along with those of previous studies suggest that depressive, anxious and somatic symptoms are largely different presentations of a common latent phenomenon. This study provides support for the ICD-11 PHC conceptualization of mood disturbance, especially anxious depression, as central among patients who present multiple somatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Geoffrey M. Reed
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Global Mental Health Program, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Sandra Fortes
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Robles
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | - Tai Pong Lam
- University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Julio Bobes
- University of Oviedo, CIBERSAM, Asturias, Spain
| | - Celso Iglesias
- University of Oviedo, CIBERSAM, Asturias, Spain
- Hospital Valle del Nalon, Langreo, Spain
| | | | - José Ángel García
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | - Jair J. Mari
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Somatic Symptom Disorders in Adolescent Inpatients. J Adolesc Health 2018; 63:779-784. [PMID: 30279104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are only a few reports of adolescents with somatic disorders (SDs) whose symptoms are sufficiently severe to require hospital admission. The aim of this study was to describe the symptom profile, health service utilization, and outcome of adolescents with SDs admitted to a tertiary children's hospital. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of all adolescents admitted to the Adolescent Medicine Unit of a tertiary children's hospital was undertaken from July 2013 to June 2014. In a two-stage process, medical records were examined to identify patients who met the diagnostic criteria for SD. Evidence of functional recovery was obtained for the period from 18 to 30 months after discharge and rated as completely recovered, partially recovered, or functionally disabled. RESULTS A total of 60 admissions (53 patients, 79% female) were identified with SD, accounting for 12% of the unit's admissions and 2% of hospital admissions over 12 years old. Nearly half (45%) the presenting symptoms were neurological and 39% involved pain. In total, 20% of admissions were for complex symptoms involving multiple body systems. The majority (81%) of adolescents with follow-up documentation (n = 37) demonstrated complete or partial recovery. Patients whose families fully accepted the diagnosis were more likely to accept counseling following discharge (p < .001) and were almost 20 times more likely to have completely recovered compared to adolescents whose families partially accepted or rejected the diagnosis (odds ratio 17.36, p = .003). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalized adolescents with SD utilize substantial resources due to the requirement for comprehensive assessment, including multidisciplinary communication. Recovery can be anticipated for the majority, especially if supported by parents.
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Leutgeb R, Berger S, Szecsenyi J, Laux G. Patients with somatoform disorders: More frequent attendance and higher utilization in primary Out-of-Hours care? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202546. [PMID: 30161150 PMCID: PMC6116940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One significant health policy challenge in many European countries at present is developing strategies to deal with the increase in patient attendance at Out-of-Hours care (OOHC), whether this is at OOHC-Centres in primary care settings or hospital emergency departments (ED). FAs (FAs) presenting in OOHC are a known challenge and previous studies have shown that FAs present more often with psychological problems and psychiatric comorbidities rather than severe physical complaints. FAs may be also contributing to the rising workload in OOHC-Centres in primary care. The aim of this study was to determine attendance frequencies and health problem presentation patterns for patients with and without somatoform disorders (ICD-10 F45 diagnoses) in OOHC-Centres in primary care. Some of these somatoform disorders may have a psychiatric character. Moreover, we wanted to compare health care utilization patterns (pharmacotherapy and hospitalizations) between these patients groups. METHODS Routine OOHC data from a large German statutory health insurance company in the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg were evaluated. 3,813,398 health insured persons were included in the data set from 2014. The data were initially made available for our study group in order to evaluate a comprehensive evaluation programme in German primary care, the "Hausarztzentrierte Versorgung" (HZV), loosely translated as "family doctor coordinated care". We used the ICD-10 codes F45.0-F45.9 in regular care to identify patients with somatoform disorders and compared their health care utilization patterns (attendance rates, diagnoses, prescriptions, hospitalization rates) in OOHC to patients without somatoform disorders. Attendance rates were calculated with multivariable regression models in order to adjust for age, gender, comorbidities and for participation in the HZV intervention. RESULTS 350,528 patients (9.2%) of the 3,813,398 insured persons had an F45-diagnosis. In comparison with the whole study-sample, patients with an F45-diagnosis were on average seven years older (51.7 vs. 44.0 years; p<0,0001) and the percentage of women was significantly higher (70.1% vs 53.3%; p<0,0001). In OOHC, as opposed to normal office hours, the adjusted rate of patients with an F45-diagnosis was 60.6% higher (adjusted for age, gender and co-morbidity) than in the general study-sample. Accordingly, in OOHC, prescriptions for antidepressants, hypnotics, anxiolytics but also opioids were significantly higher than in the general study population i.e. those without F45- diagnoses. However, an F45 diagnosis was only made in 3.45% of all F45 patients seen in OOHC in 2014. CONCLUSIONS Patients with somatoform disorders were more FAs in both regular office hours and in OOHC in primary care settings. In OOHC, they are normally not identified as such because the somatoform illness is secondary to other acutely presenting symptoms such as pain. While it is acknowledged that it is difficult to make an exact diagnosis in this complex group of somatoform disorders in an OOHC setting, it is still important to develop continuing education programmes for medical staff working in OOHC, to support effective recognition and response to the specific needs of this complex patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruediger Leutgeb
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Berger
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gunter Laux
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
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Pohontsch NJ, Zimmermann T, Jonas C, Lehmann M, Löwe B, Scherer M. Coding of medically unexplained symptoms and somatoform disorders by general practitioners - an exploratory focus group study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2018; 19:129. [PMID: 30053834 PMCID: PMC6064152 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0812-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and somatoform disorders are common in general practices, but there is evidence that general practitioners (GPs) rarely use these codes. Assuming that correct classification and coding of symptoms and diseases are important for adequate management and treatment, insights into these processes could reveal problematic areas and possible solutions. Our study aims at exploring general practitioners' views on coding and reasons for not coding MUS/somatoform disorders. METHODS We invited GPs to participate in six focus groups (N = 42). Patient vignettes and a semi-structured guideline were used by two moderators to facilitate the discussions. Recordings were transcribed verbatim. Two researchers analyzed the data using structuring content analysis with deductive and inductive category building. RESULTS Three main categories turned out to be most relevant. For category a) "benefits of coding" GPs described that coding is seen as being done for reimbursement purposes and is not necessarily linked to the content of their reference files for a specific patient. Others reported to code specific diagnoses only if longer consultations to explore psychosomatic symptoms or psychotherapy are intended to be billed. Reasons for b) "restrained coding" were attempting to protect the patient from stigma through certain diagnoses and the preference for tentative diagnoses and functional coding. Some GPs admitted to c) "code inaccurately" attributing this to insufficient knowledge of ICD-10-criteria, time constraints or using "rules of thumb" for coding. CONCLUSIONS There seem to be challenges in the process of coding of MUS and somatoform disorders, but GPs appear not to contest the patients' suffering and accept uncertainty (about diagnoses) as an elementary part of their work. From GPs' points of view ICD-10-coding does not appear to be a necessary requirement for treating patients and coding might be avoided to protect the patients from stigma and other negative consequences. Our findings supply a possible explanation for the commonly seen difference between routine and epidemiological data. The recent developments in the DSM-5 and the upcoming ICD-11 will supposedly change acceptance and handling of these diagnoses for GPs and patients. Either way, consequences for GPs' diagnosing and coding behavior are not yet foreseeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. J. Pohontsch
- Department of General Practice / Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - T. Zimmermann
- Department of General Practice / Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - C. Jonas
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Clinic Hamburg Eilbek, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - M. Lehmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Clinic Hamburg Eilbek, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - B. Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Clinic Hamburg Eilbek, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - M. Scherer
- Department of General Practice / Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Abstract
SummaryThis article discusses a cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) approach to the treatment of medically unexplained symptoms that is based on the ‘five areas’ model of CBT. We describe a typical course of therapy and some of the common problems encountered during treatment. Emphasis is placed on the practical management of these conditions, and the focus is on symptoms as opposed to cause. We believe that this approach is widely applicable and could be used in a large range of settings to tackle these debilitating conditions. In writing this article we intended to provide an overview of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. The article would be of interest to staff within liaison psychiatry departments looking to set up a medically unexplained symptoms service and general psychiatry teams who may have contact with patients presenting with somatic symptoms. Psychiatric teams without access to a liaison department may also find this article interesting.
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Schwarz J, Rief W, Radkovsky A, Berking M, Kleinstäuber M. Negative affect as mediator between emotion regulation and medically unexplained symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2017; 101:114-121. [PMID: 28867416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on emotion regulation (ER) in medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUS) is rare. PURPOSE The goal of this study was to compare ER skills between MUS-patients without comorbid depression, MUS-patients with comorbid depression (MUS+MDD), patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and healthy controls. Additionally, we examined the mediating effect of depression and anxiety on the relationship between ER and somatization. METHODS The Emotion-Regulation Skills Questionnaire (ERSQ) and other self-report measures were completed by 138 MUS-patients, 114 MUS+MDD-patients, 106 MDD-patients, and 100 healthy controls. Multiple mediation analyses were applied to investigate the role of depression and anxiety as potential mediators. RESULTS A MANCOVA and post-hoc test with age, sex and education as covariates indicated that ER skills of the MUS-group were lower than the controls (p<0.001-p=0.047), but higher than the MDD- and MUS+MDD-group (p<0.001-p=0.042). ER skills of the MDD-group and MUS+MDD-group did not differ (p=0.78-p=0.99), but were lower than controls (p<0.001-p=0.011). In the MUS-groups depression and anxiety had a mediating effect on the relationship between ER and somatization (b=-0.23, 95% bias-corrected CI: -0.30, -0.17). The direct effect of ER on somatization was no longer significant when controlling for the mediating variables (b=0.07, p=0.083). CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that patients with MUS+MDD have higher deficits in ER skills than MUS patients without MDD. Additionally, deficits in ER in MUS-patients are influenced by depression and anxiety. This indicates that MUS-patients with comorbid mental disorders might benefit from an emotion regulation training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Schwarz
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Radkovsky
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Berking
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany; Department of Medical Psychology, Medical School, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Philipps University of Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
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Fanni E, Castellini G, Corona G, Boddi V, Ricca V, Rastrelli G, Fisher AD, Cipriani S, Maggi M. The Role of Somatic Symptoms in Sexual Medicine: Somatization as Important Contextual Factor in Male Sexual Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2017; 13:1395-1407. [PMID: 27555509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An important feature of somatic symptom disorder is the subjective perception of the physical symptoms and its maladaptive interpretation. Considering that psychological distress is often expressed through somatic symptoms, it is possible that they underlie at least a part of the symptoms in subjects complaining of sexual dysfunction. Nevertheless, studies on the impact of somatoform disorders in sexual dysfunction are scanty. AIM To define the psychological, relational, and organic correlates of somatic symptoms in a large sample of patients complaining of sexual problems. METHODS A consecutive series of 2833 men (mean age 50.2 ± 13.5 years) was retrospectively studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Somatic symptoms were assessed using the "somatized anxiety symptoms" subscale of the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ-S). Several clinical, biochemical, psychological, and relational parameters were studied. Patients were interviewed with the previously validated Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY), and ANDROTEST (a structured interview for the screening of hypogonadism in patients with sexual dysfunction). RESULTS Among the 2833 patients studied, subjects scoring higher on somatic symptoms were older, more obese, reporting unhealthy lifestyle (current smoking, alcohol consumption), and a lower education (all P < .05). Moreover, they reported a general impairment of their sexuality more often, including erectile problems (spontaneous or sexual-related), low sexual desire, decreased frequency of intercourse, and perceived reduction of ejaculate volume (all P < .005). Interestingly, we observed a significant association between MHQ-S scoring with a reduced testosterone level and hypogonadism symptoms (both P < .05). Finally, we found a significant association between somatic symptoms and both SIEDY Scales 1 (organic domain of ED) and 3 (intrapsychic domain of ED) (both P < .0001). CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates that the presence of somatic symptoms can represent an important contextual factor in the determination of or in the exacerbation of male sexual dysfunction. High levels of somatic symptoms in subjects with sexual dysfunction can be related to the sexual symptom itself. The consequences of this pattern have great clinical relevance in a sexual medicine setting, considering their severe impact on sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egidia Fanni
- Andrology Unit, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Andrology Unit, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Boddi
- Andrology Unit, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology Unit, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Daphne Fisher
- Andrology Unit, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Andrology Unit, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Andrology Unit, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Abstract
Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a common disorder encountered in pediatric medicine. It involves the presentation of physical symptoms that are either disproportionate or inconsistent with history, physical examination, laboratory, and other investigative findings. SSDs result in significant impairment with considerable increase in healthcare utilization, school absenteeism, and the potential for unnecessary diagnostic evaluation and treatment intervention. Patients and families often feel dismissed and may worry that a serious condition has been missed. Primary care providers are frequently frustrated due to a lack of a successful approach to patients and families impacted by SSD. The result is often a cycle of disability, frustration and missed opportunities for collaboration towards enhanced patient functionality. This review summarizes the current evidence-based understanding, as well as insights from clinician experience, on the evaluation and management of pediatric SSD.
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Symptoms and the body: Taking the inferential leap. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:185-203. [PMID: 28108416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between the conscious experience of physical symptoms and indicators of objective physiological dysfunction is highly variable and depends on characteristics of the person, the context and their interaction. This relationship often breaks down entirely in the case of "medically unexplained" or functional somatic symptoms, violating the basic assumption in medicine that physical symptoms have physiological causes. In this paper, we describe the prevailing theoretical approach to this problem and review the evidence pertaining to it. We then use the framework of predictive coding to propose a new and more comprehensive model of the body-symptom relationship that integrates existing concepts within a unifying framework that addresses many of the shortcomings of current theory. We describe the conditions under which a close correspondence between the experience of symptoms and objective physiology might be expected, and when they are likely to diverge. We conclude by exploring some theoretical and clinical implications of this new account.
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Rodic D, Meyer AH, Lieb R, Meinlschmidt G. The Association of Sensory Responsiveness with Somatic Symptoms and Illness Anxiety. Int J Behav Med 2016; 23:39-48. [PMID: 25896875 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-015-9483-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatoform Disorders or Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders are a major public health problem.The pathophysiology underlying these disorders is not yet understood. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore if sensory responsiveness could contribute to a better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying two key symptoms of Somatoform Disorders, namely somatic symptoms and illness anxiety. METHODS We measured vibrotactile perception thresholds with the HVLab Perception Meter and examined their association with somatic symptoms, illness anxiety and trait anxiety. A sample of 205 volunteers participated in the study. RESULTS Sensory responsiveness was neither associated with somatic symptoms (β = -0.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.37, 0.39) nor trait anxiety (β = -0.07; 95% CI, -0.30, 0.07). However, lower vibrotactile perception thresholds were associated with increased scores of the overall illness anxiety scale (β = -0.65; 95% CI, -1.21, -0.14) and its constituent subscale disease conviction (β = -2.07; 95% CI, -3.94, -0.43). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that increased sensory responsiveness is associated with illness anxiety and hence should be examined further as potential target within the etiopathology of somatoform disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donja Rodic
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Epidemiology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea Hans Meyer
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Epidemiology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Roselind Lieb
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Epidemiology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Gunther Meinlschmidt
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Epidemiology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. .,Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 60/62, 4055, Basel, Switzerland.
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Schwarz J, Gottschalk JM, Ruckmann J, Rief W, Kleinstäuber M. An experimental paradigm to repeatedly induce somatic symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2016; 82:24-30. [PMID: 26944395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental research in the field of medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) is rare. We examined a method of script driven imagery in terms of manipulating the intensity of the symptom, the impairment by the symptom and the symptom tolerance. Additionally, we identified relevant predictors for the efficacy of symptom induction. METHODS We assessed the most impairing symptom in 48 subjects suffering from multiple, chronic MUPS and a severe physical illness that 48 age-matched healthy controls suffered from in the past. An individual script including thoughts and sensations accompanying the symptom was recorded. During the experiment, participants were exposed to the script repeatedly and then rated the intensity of, impairment by and tolerance of the symptom on a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS A mixed model repeated-measures-ANOVA revealed a significant main effect for the factor time (pre- and post-induction assessment; p<.001) but not for group (MUPS- vs. control-groups; p=.159-.314) indicating that the manipulation of all VASs was effective for both groups. The interaction time×group was significant for tolerance and post-hoc analyses showed no significant reduction for tolerance in the MUPS-group. The number of somatic symptoms and endurance behavior predicted higher induction efficacy in the MUPS-group for intensity. For healthy controls, endurance behavior and pain-persistence were associated with lower induction efficacy for all VAS. CONCLUSION Script-driven imagery could be a promising research procedure in the field of MUPS. It could be used to investigate short term effects of psychological interventions as well as physiological and cognitive processes accompanying symptom manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Schwarz
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany.
| | | | - Judith Ruckmann
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
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Claassen-van Dessel N, van der Wouden JC, Dekker J, van der Horst HE. Clinical value of DSM IV and DSM 5 criteria for diagnosing the most prevalent somatoform disorders in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). J Psychosom Res 2016; 82:4-10. [PMID: 26944392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed (1) to describe frequencies of DSM IV somatisation disorder, undifferentiated somatoform disorder and pain disorder versus DSM 5 somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in a multi-setting population of patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS), (2) to investigate differences in sociodemographic and (psycho)pathological characteristics between these diagnostic groups and (3) to explore the clinical relevance of the distinction between mild and moderate DSM 5 SSD. METHODS We used baseline data of a cohort of 325 MUPS patients. Measurements included questionnaires about symptom severity, physical functioning, anxiety, depression, health anxiety and illness perceptions. These questionnaires were used as proxy measures for operationalization of DSM IV and DSM 5 diagnostic criteria. RESULTS 92.9% of participants fulfilled criteria of a DSM IV somatoform disorder, while 45.5% fulfilled criteria of DSM 5 SSD. Participants fulfilling criteria of DSM 5 SSD suffered from more severe symptoms than those only fulfilling criteria of a DSM IV somatoform disorder(mean PHQ-15 score of 13.98 (SD 5.17) versus 11.23 (SD 4.71), P-value<0.001). Furthermore their level of physical functioning was significantly lower. Compared to patients with mild SSD, patients with moderate SSD suffered from significantly lower physical functioning and higher levels of depression. CONCLUSION Within a population of MUPS patients DSM 5 SSD criteria are more restrictive than DSM IV criteria for somatoform disorders. They are associated with higher symptom severity and lower physical functioning. However, further specification of the positive psychological criteria of DSM 5 SSD may improve utility in research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Claassen-van Dessel
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Dekker
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henriette E van der Horst
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hubley S, Uebelacker L, Eaton C. Managing Medically Unexplained Symptoms in Primary Care: A Narrative Review and Treatment Recommendations. Am J Lifestyle Med 2016; 10:109-119. [PMID: 30202265 PMCID: PMC6125096 DOI: 10.1177/1559827614536865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are persistent physical symptoms in the absence of identifiable disease. MUS present a major challenge for primary care providers (PCPs) because complex symptom presentations, strained patient-physician relationships, and treatment-resistant symptoms can challenge a PCP's sense of competency. This review is intended to help PCPs understand the burden and theoretical context of MUS and to provide concise recommendations for managing MUS within primary care settings. Based on a narrative review of the literature, these recommendations emphasize in particular the importance of co-creating plausible explanations for MUS, understanding the pitfalls of consultations involving MUS, and developing multimodal treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Hubley
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Center for Primary Care and Prevention, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
| | - Lisa Uebelacker
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Center for Primary Care and Prevention, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
| | - Charles Eaton
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Center for Primary Care and Prevention, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
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Assessing the Psychometric Properties of an Activity Pacing Questionnaire for Chronic Pain and Fatigue. Phys Ther 2015; 95:1274-86. [PMID: 25908522 PMCID: PMC4556956 DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20140405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapists frequently advise the use of activity pacing as a coping strategy to manage long-term conditions (eg, chronic low back pain, chronic widespread pain, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis). However, activity pacing has not been clearly operationalized, and there is a paucity of empirical evidence regarding pacing. This paucity of evidence may be partly due to the absence of a widely used pacing scale. To address the limitations of existing pacing scales, the 38-item Activity Pacing Questionnaire (APQ-38) was previously developed using the Delphi technique. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were: (1) to explore the psychometric properties of the APQ-38, (2) to identify underlying pacing themes, and (3) to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study. METHODS Three hundred eleven adult patients with chronic pain or fatigue participated, of whom 69 completed the test-retest analysis. Data obtained for the APQ-38 were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, internal and test-retest reliability, and validity against 2 existing pacing subscales and validated measures of pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, avoidance, and mental and physical function. RESULTS Following factor analysis, 12 items were removed from the APQ-38, and 5 themes of pacing were identified in the resulting 26-item Activity Pacing Questionnaire (APQ-26): activity adjustment, activity consistency, activity progression, activity planning, and activity acceptance. These themes demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach α=.72-.92), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=.50-.78, P≤.001), and construct validity. Activity adjustment, activity progression, and activity acceptance correlated with worsened symptoms; activity consistency correlated with improved symptoms; and activity planning correlated with both improved and worsened symptoms. LIMITATIONS Data were collected from self-report questionnaires only. CONCLUSIONS Developed to be widely used across a heterogeneous group of patients with chronic pain or fatigue, the APQ-26 is multifaceted and demonstrates reliability and validity. Further study will explore the effects of pacing on patients' symptoms to guide therapists toward advising pacing themes with empirical benefits.
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Tak LM, Kingma EM, van Ockenburg SL, Ormel J, Rosmalen JGM. Age- and sex-specific associations between adverse life events and functional bodily symptoms in the general population. J Psychosom Res 2015; 79:112-6. [PMID: 26052060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test age- and sex-specific associations between adverse life events and functional bodily symptoms (FBS) in the general population. METHODS In a population-based cohort, 964 participants (mean age 55 years SD 11, 48% male) completed two measurements waves of the present study. Lifetime exposure to 12 adverse life events was assessed through a modified version of the List of Threatening Experiences. Stress-sensitive personality was assessed with the 12-item neuroticism scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised. Socio-economic status was retrieved from questionnaires. Participants completed the somatization section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to survey the presence of 42 FBS in the previous year. RESULTS Regression analyses, adjusted for age, revealed that lifetime scores of adverse life events were significantly associated with FBS in the previous year, an association that was nearly identical for females (beta=0.18, t=4.07, p<0.01) and males (beta=0.19, t=4.24, p<0.01). This association remained statistically significant when stress-sensitive personality and socio-economic status were added to the model. Associations between adverse life events during childhood and FBS were statistically significant in females (beta=0.13, t=2.90, p=0.04) but not in males (beta=0.06, t=1.24, p=0.22), whereas there was a stronger association with adverse life events during adulthood in males (beta=0.20, t=4.37, p<0.01) compared to females (beta=0.15, t=3.38, p=0.01). Life events in the previous year were not associated with FBS in the previous year. CONCLUSION Adverse life events during lifetime were associated with FBS in the previous year. This association was dependent on age and sex but largely independent of having a stress-sensitive personality or low socio-economic status. Future studies could adopt a life course perspective to study the role of adverse life events in FBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lineke M Tak
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands; Dimence, Institute for Mental Health Care, Deventer, The Netherlands.
| | - Eva M Kingma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Sonja L van Ockenburg
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Johan Ormel
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Judith G M Rosmalen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Case report: Diagnostic reconceptualization in the DSM-V on somatoform disorders. MEDICINA UNIVERSITARIA 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmu.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Houston JP, Kroenke K, Davidson JR, Adler LA, Faries DE, Ahl J, Swindle R, Trzepacz PT. PDI-4A: An Augmented Provisional Screening Instrument Assessing 5 Additional Common Anxiety-Related Diagnoses in Adult Primary Care Patients. Postgrad Med 2015; 123:89-95. [DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2011.09.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Stone L. Managing the consultation with patients with medically unexplained symptoms: a grounded theory study of supervisors and registrars in general practice. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2014; 15:192. [PMID: 25477194 PMCID: PMC4266896 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-014-0192-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) commonly present in general practice. They often experience significant disability and have difficulty accessing appropriate care. Many feel frustrated and helpless. Doctors also describe feeling frustrated and helpless when managing these patients. These shared negative feelings can have a detrimental effect on the therapeutic relationship and on clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore how novice and experienced GPs manage patients with MUS and how these skills are taught and learned in GP training. METHODS A constructivist grounded theory study with 24 general practice registrars and supervisors in GP training practices across Australia. RESULTS Registrars lacked a framework for managing patients with MUS. Some described negative feelings towards patients that were uncomfortable and confronting. Registrars also were uncertain about their clinical role: where their professional responsibilities began and ended. Supervisors utilised a range of strategies to address the practical, interpersonal and therapeutic challenges associated with the care of these patients. CONCLUSIONS Negative feelings and a lack of diagnostic language and frameworks may prevent registrars from managing these patients effectively. Some of these negative feelings, such as frustration, shame and helplessness, are shared between doctors and patients. Registrars need assistance to identify and manage these difficult feelings so that consultations are more effective. The care of these patients also raises issues of professional identity, roles and responsibilities. Supervisors can assist their registrars by proactively sharing models of the consultation, strategies for managing their own feelings and frustrations, and ways of understanding and managing the therapeutic relationship in this difficult area of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Stone
- Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, University of Sydney, Level 1 Medical Foundation Building, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW, 2041, Australia.
- Academic Unit of General Practice, Australian National University Medical School, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, 0200, Australia.
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Hyphantis T, Kroenke K, Papatheodorou E, Paika V, Theocharopoulos N, Ninou A, Tomenson B, Carvalho AF, Guthrie E. Validity of the Greek version of the PHQ 15-item Somatic Symptom Severity Scale in patients with chronic medical conditions and correlations with emergency department use and illness perceptions. Compr Psychiatry 2014; 55:1950-9. [PMID: 25217309 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PHQ-15 is a brief measure assessing the severity of somatic symptoms and is widely used in different health care settings. We aimed to assess the psychometric properties of its Greek version in patients with chronic physical illnesses seeking urgent or unscheduled care in the Accident and Emergency Department (AED). METHODS The PHQ-15 was translated into Greek using back-translation, and it was administered to 303 patients with diabetes, COPD and rheumatic diseases visiting our AED during a one-year period. Patients were interviewed with the MINI. Depressive (PHQ-9) and somatization symptoms (SCL-12), illness perceptions (B-IPQ) and health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were also assessed to test criterion and concurrent validity. RESULTS The Greek version of the PHQ-15 showed acceptable internal consistency. Convergent validity was established by the strong associations observed between PHQ-15 scores and functional status, depressive symptom severity and AED visits during the previous year. PHQ-15 scores were also associated with the patients' concerns about personal and treatment illness's control and their beliefs regarding the number of bodily symptoms attributed to their illness (illness identity). The highly acceptable convergent and discriminant validity of the five individual bodily symptoms assessed by both the PHQ-15 and SCL-12 is a further construct validity indicator. CONCLUSIONS The present findings support the applicability of the Greek version of PHQ-15 in assessing common somatic symptoms either medically explained or unexplained in patients seeking care in the AED, further confirming that it can be considered suitable for use in a broad range of populations in clinical research.
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Williams GC, Halvari H, Niemiec CP, Sørebø Ø, Olafsen AH, Westbye C. Managerial support for basic psychological needs, somatic symptom burden and work-related correlates: A self-determination theory perspective. WORK AND STRESS 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/02678373.2014.971920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Guevara JDR, Vásquez R. [Critical Approach to Somatomorphic Disorders in Children]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 41:900-9. [PMID: 26572273 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-7450(14)60054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Somatomorphic disorders have common somatic manifestations without medical explanation, that can affect daily life. There are evaluation difficulties regarding symptom report or observation in children due to their age, parental influence and associated factors. The aim of this work is to acknowledge diagnosis difficulties and clinic tools to approach somatomorphic disorders in children. A systematic search in the information published for the last ten years was carried out. Historical evolution of the concept of somatization has generated difficulties to approach this issue. Some signs could indicate a somatomorphic disorder; however, there are very little evaluating tools for children. Currently, said tools are only based on lists of symptoms without fully answering to all questions. Somatomorphic disorders or somatic symptoms in children are still a gap to be closed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Vásquez
- Psiquiatra Infantil, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Whether fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) can be classified as a somatoform disorder is under debate. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT Literature searches on the classification of FMS as a somatoform disorder were performed in Medline and in evidence-based guideline databases. RESULTS A somatoform disorder is defined by medically unexplained somatic symptoms that persist for at least 6 months and lead to a significant impairment of the ability to function in everyday life. The nature and extent of the symptoms or the distress and pre-occupation of the patient cannot be explained fully by a general medical condition or by the direct effect of a substance, and are not attributable to another mental disorder. Emotional and psychosocial conflicts play a major role in the onset, severity, exacerbation or maintenance of the physical symptoms. There is disagreement in the FMS research community on the existence of somatic factors sufficiently explaining FMS symptoms. Psychosocial factors play a major role in the onset, exacerbation or maintenance of FMS symptoms in the majority of patients. A biopsychosocial model of interacting biological and psychosocial factors in the predisposition, onset and maintenance of FMS symptoms is more appropriate than the dichotomy between a somatic disease and a mental (somatoform) disorder. CONCLUSIONS The clinical features of FMS and persistent somatoform pain disorder or somatization disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 overlap in individuals with chronic widespread pain without specific somatic disease factors. FMS is not synonymous with somatoform disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Häuser
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, Germany
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Lau K, Löwe B, Langs G, Voigt K. Aus vier mach zwei. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00278-013-1019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Personality traits, defense mechanisms and hostility features associated with somatic symptom severity in both health and disease. J Psychosom Res 2013; 75:362-9. [PMID: 24119944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Somatic symptoms are widespread in clinical practice. The association of somatic symptom severity with impaired health status holds both when symptoms are medically unexplained and when they are medically explained. The role of personality dimensions in the formation of somatic symptoms in patients with established, chronic diseases when compared to healthy participants had not been investigated prior to this study. METHODS In samples of 411 healthy subjects and 810 participants with any of 9 established, chronic medical conditions, we measured psychological distress (SCL-90-R), personality traits (Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire), defensive profiles (Defense Style Questionnaire), individual defenses (Life Style Index) and hostility features (Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire). Hierarchical multivariate models were used to assess the independent associations between personality dimensions and somatic symptom severity in both samples. The SCL-90-R somatization scale served as the outcome variable. RESULTS In both samples, older age, less education, higher neuroticism, adoption of the displacement defense and depressive symptoms were independently and positively associated with somatic symptom severity. Higher somatic symptom severity was also associated with more "introverted" features (i.e., the self-sacrificing defensive style and self-criticism) among participants with established, chronic medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that similar personality traits and defense mechanisms are associated with somatic symptom severity in health and disease, indicating that somatic symptoms are not simply consequences of having a medical condition. The specific associations of the self-sacrificing defensive profile and self-criticism with somatic symptom severity in the patient sample may have important clinical implications.
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Hyphantis TN, Taunay TC, Macedo DS, Soeiro-de-Souza MG, Bisol LW, Fountoulakis KN, Lara DR, Carvalho AF. Affective temperaments and ego defense mechanisms associated with somatic symptom severity in a large sample. J Affect Disord 2013; 150:481-9. [PMID: 23706837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several complex mechanisms including biological, psychological and social factors may contribute to the development of bodily symptoms. Affective temperaments may represent heritable subclinical manifestations of mood disorders, and the concept of ego defense mechanisms has also provided a model for the comprehension of psychopathology. The relationship between affective temperaments, defensive functioning and somatic symptom severity remains unknown. METHODS We obtained data from a subsample of the Brazilian Internet Study on Temperament and Psychopathology (BRAINSTEP). Participants completed the Affective and Emotional Temperament Composite Scale (AFECTS), the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). SCL-90-R Somatization scale was used as outcome variable. RESULTS Among 9937 participants (4472 male; 45%), individuals with dysphoric, cyclothymic and depressive temperaments and those who adopted displacement, somatisation and passive aggression as their predominant defense mechanisms presented high somatic symptom severity. Participants with dysphoric temperament and those with higher displacement scores were more likely to endorse numerous bodily symptoms after controlling for age, gender, education and depressive symptoms. Moderator analysis showed that the relationship of dysphoric temperament with somatic symptom severity was much more powerful in people who adopted displacement as their predominant defense. LIMITATIONS The data was collected from a convenience web-based sample. The study was cross-sectional. There was no information on the presence of established physical illness. CONCLUSIONS Affective temperaments and defense mechanisms are associated with somatic symptom severity independently of depressive symptoms. These two personality theories provide distinct but interacting views for comprehension of somatic symptom formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas N Hyphantis
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece
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Douzenis A, Seretis D. Descriptive and predictive validity of somatic attributions in patients with somatoform disorders: a systematic review of quantitative research. J Psychosom Res 2013; 75:199-210. [PMID: 23972408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research on hypochondriasis and other somatoform disorders (SFD) has provided evidence that patients with SFD tend to attribute their symptoms to organic dysfunctions or disease. However, recent studies appear to discredit this. There is no systematic evidence on whether patients with SFD predominantly rely on somatic attributions, despite calls to include somatic attributions as a positive criterion of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). METHODS This study is a systematic review of quantitative studies which assess the descriptive and predictive validity of somatic attribution in SFD. The literature search was restricted to studies with patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for SFD. RESULTS Somatic attribution style in SFD has acceptable descriptive but insufficient predictive validity. This confirms that the overlap between somatic and psychological attributions is often substantial. Attribution style can discriminate between SFD patients with and without comorbidity. CONCLUSION A somatic attribution style does not qualify as a positive criterion in SSD. However, there is an urgent need for further research on causal illness perceptions in the full spectrum of medically unexplained symptoms in order to confirm this result. Given its high prevalence, research on psychological attribution style is warranted. Re-attribution does not provide a framework sophisticated enough to address the needs of patients in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanassios Douzenis
- Second Psychiatry Department, Athens University Medical School, Attikon General Hospital, 1 Rimini St., Athens, 12462, Greece.
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Dimsdale JE, Creed F, Escobar J, Sharpe M, Wulsin L, Barsky A, Lee S, Irwin MR, Levenson J. Somatic symptom disorder: an important change in DSM. J Psychosom Res 2013; 75:223-8. [PMID: 23972410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the rationale for the new diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) within DSM5. SSD represents a consolidation of a number of previously listed diagnoses. It deemphasizes the centrality of medically unexplained symptoms and defines the disorder on the basis of persistent somatic symptoms associated with disproportionate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to these symptoms. Data are presented concerning reliability, validity, and prevalence of SSD, as well as tasks for future research, education, and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel E Dimsdale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA.
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Farkas CA. Potentially harmful side-effects: medically unexplained symptoms, somatization, and the insufficient illness narrative for viewers of mystery diagnosis. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2013; 34:315-328. [PMID: 23740408 DOI: 10.1007/s10912-013-9234-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Illness narrative has often been found to play a positive role in both patients' and providers' efforts to find meaning in the illness experience. However, illness narrative can sometimes become counterproductive, even pathological, particularly in cases of medical mystery--cases wherein biopsychosocial factors blur the distinction between bodily dysfunction and somatizing behavior. In this article, the author draws attention to two examples of medical mystery, the clinical presentation of medically unexplained symptoms, and the popular reality television program Mystery Diagnosis, to demonstrate the potentially harmful effects of illness narrative. The medical mystery's complex narrative structure reflects and tends to reinforce providers' and patients' mistaken assumptions, anxieties, and conflicts in ways which obstruct, rather than facilitate, healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol-Ann Farkas
- School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
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Grassi L, Caruso R, Nanni MG. Somatization and somatic symptom presentation in cancer: a neglected area. Int Rev Psychiatry 2013; 25:41-51. [PMID: 23383666 DOI: 10.3109/09540261.2012.731384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abstract The recognition of somatization process in cancer patients is a challenging and neglected area, for the extreme difficulty in differentiating and assessing the psycho(patho)logical components from those biologically determined and related to cancer and cancer treatment, as well as for the scarce usefulness of rigid categorical DSM criteria. However, several dimensions of somatization (and the interconnected concept of abnormal illness behaviour) have been shown to be diagnosable in cancer patients and to negatively influence coping and quality of life outcomes. An integration of the formal DSM-ICD nosology with a system specifically taking into account the patients' emotional responses to cancer and cancer treatment, such as the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR), is suggested. More data on some specific symptom dimensions, including pain, fatigue and sexual disorders, are needed to examine their possible psychological components. More research is also needed regarding the association of somatization with personality traits (e.g. type D distressed personality, alexithymia), developmental dimensions (e.g. attachment), and cultural issues (e.g. culturally mediated attributional styles to somatic symptoms). Also, the impact and effectiveness of specific therapeutic intervention in 'somatizing' cancer patients is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Grassi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Abstract
The Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) were introduced in 1995 by an international group of investigators to expand the traditional domains of the disease model. The DCPR are a set of 12 'psychosomatic syndromes' which provide operational tools for psychosocial variables with prognostic and therapeutic implications in clinical settings. Eight syndromes concern the main manifestations of abnormal illness behaviour: somatization, hypochondriacal fears and beliefs, and illness denial. The other four syndromes (alexithymia, type A behaviour, demoralization and irritable mood) refer to the domain of psychological factors affecting medical conditions. This review describes the conceptual bases of the DCPR and the main findings concerning their application, with particular reference to the incremental information they added to the customary psychiatric classification. The DCPR were also compared with the provisional DSM-5 somatic symptom disorders. The DCPR were found to be more sensitive than DSM-IV in identifying subthreshold psychological distress and characterizing patients' psychological response to medical illness. DSM-5 somatic symptom disorders seem to neglect important clinical phenomena, such as illness denial, resulting in a narrow view of patients' functioning. The additional information provided by the DCPR may enhance the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sirri
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Barr WB. Differential Diagnosis of Psychological Factors Evoked by Pain Presentations. Clin Neuropsychol 2013; 27:17-29. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2013.768705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Wollburg E, Voigt K, Braukhaus C, Herzog A, Löwe B. Construct validity and descriptive validity of somatoform disorders in light of proposed changes for the DSM-5. J Psychosom Res 2013; 74:18-24. [PMID: 23272984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2012.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current diagnostic criteria for somatoform disorders demand revisions due to their insufficient clinical as well as scientific usability. Various psychological and behavioral characteristics have been considered for the proposed new category Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). With this study, we were able to jointly assess the validity of these variables in an inpatient sample. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, we investigated N=456 patients suffering from somatoform disorder, anxiety, or depression. Within one week after admission to the hospital, informed consent was obtained and afterwards, a diagnostic interview and a battery of self-report questionnaires were administered. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine which variables significantly add to construct and descriptive validity. RESULTS Several features, such as somatic symptom severity, health worries, health habits, a self-concept of being weak, and symptom attribution, predicted physical health status in somatization. Overall, our model explained about 50% of the total variance. Furthermore, in comparison with anxious and depressed patients, health anxiety, body scanning, and a self-concept of bodily weakness were specific for DSM-IV somatoform disorders and the proposed SSD. CONCLUSIONS The present study supports the inclusion of psychological and behavioral characteristics in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for somatoform disorders. Based on our results, we make suggestions for a slight modification of criterion B to enhance construct validity of the Somatic Symptom Disorder.
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Voigt K, Wollburg E, Weinmann N, Herzog A, Meyer B, Langs G, Löwe B. Predictive validity and clinical utility of DSM-5 Somatic Symptom Disorder--comparison with DSM-IV somatoform disorders and additional criteria for consideration. J Psychosom Res 2012; 73:345-50. [PMID: 23062807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2012.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Major changes to the diagnostic category of somatoform disorders are being proposed for DSM-5. The effect of e.g. the inclusion of psychological criteria (criterion B) on prevalence, predictive validity, and clinical utility of "Somatic Symptom Disorder" (SSD) remains unclear. A prospective study was conducted to compare current and new diagnostic approaches. METHODS In a sample of N=456 psychosomatic inpatients (61% female, mean age=44.8±10.4 years) diagnosed with somatoform, depressive and anxiety disorders, we investigated the current DSM-5 proposal (SSD) plus potential psychological criteria, somatic symptom severity, and health-related quality of life at admission and discharge. RESULTS N=259 patients were diagnosed with DSM-IV somatoform disorder (56.8%). With a threshold of 6 on the Whiteley Index to assess psychological criteria, the diagnosis of SSD was similarly frequent (51.8%, N=230). However, SSD was a more frequent diagnosis when we employed the recommended threshold of one subcriterion of criterion B. Patients diagnosed with only SSD but not with DSM-IV somatoform disorder showed greater psychological impairment. Both diagnoses similarly predicted physical functioning at discharge. Bodily weakness and somatic and psychological attributions at admission were among significant predictors of physical functioning at discharge. Reduction of health anxiety, bodily weakness, and body scanning significantly predicted an improvement of physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS Psychological symptoms enhance predictive validity and clinical utility of DSM-5 Somatic Symptom Disorder compared to DSM-IV somatoform disorders. The SSD diagnosis identifies more psychologically impaired patients than its DSM-IV precursor. The currently suggested diagnostic threshold for criterion B might increase the disorder's prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Voigt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Klinik Hamburg-Eilbek, Hamburg, Germany.
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The DSM 5 Website Proposals for Somatic Symptom Disorder: Three Central Problems. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2012; 53:524-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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40
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Stone L. Being a botanist and a gardener: using diagnostic frameworks in general practice patients with medically unexplained symptoms. Aust J Prim Health 2012; 19:90-7. [PMID: 22951035 DOI: 10.1071/py11120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Patients with multiple medically unexplained symptoms commonly seek treatment in primary care. Many of these patients seem to have a psychological 'core' to their illness that affects the way they experience, conceptualise and communicate their distress. There is considerable debate around diagnosis for this group of patients. Existing diagnoses include somatoform disorders in psychiatry and functional disorders in the medical specialties. Some clinicians use the term 'heartsink' patients, which reflects the interpersonal frustration inherent in some therapeutic relationships. A good diagnosis should be clinically useful, helping clinicians and patients understand and manage illness. Diagnosis should also provide a reliable classification for research and evidence-based treatment. The allegory of the botanist and the gardener has been used to describe diagnosis. For the botanist, a good diagnosis produces a taxonomy that is rigorous and reliable. For the gardener, it informs the way a garden is described and understood in a specific context. Clinicians need both: a 'botanical' type of classification to bring rigour to research and therapy, and clinical 'gardening', which allows for multiple perspectives and diagnostic frameworks. Clinical reasoning is a form of research with therapeutic intent. Botany and gardening represent a mixed-methods approach that can enrich diagnosis. The challenge is to integrate multiple perspectives in clinically helpful ways that help us retain both richness and rigour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Stone
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
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Diskussion um Konzepte und Diagnostik somatoformer Störungen. DER NERVENARZT 2012; 83:1097-105. [DOI: 10.1007/s00115-011-3443-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zonneveld LNL, van Rood YR, Timman R, Kooiman CG, Van't Spijker A, Busschbach JJV. Effective group training for patients with unexplained physical symptoms: a randomized controlled trial with a non-randomized one-year follow-up. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42629. [PMID: 22880056 PMCID: PMC3413637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although cognitive-behavioral therapy for Unexplained Physical Symptoms (UPS) is effective in secondary care, studies done in primary care produced implementation problems and conflicting results. We evaluated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral group training tailored to primary care patients and provided by a secondary community mental-health service reaching out into primary care. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The effectiveness of this training was explored in a randomized controlled trial. In this trial, 162 patients with UPS classified as undifferentiated somatoform disorder or as chronic pain disorder were randomized either to the training or a waiting list. Both lasted 13 weeks. The preservation of the training's effect was analyzed in non-randomized follow-ups, for which the waiting group started the training after the waiting period. All patients attended the training were followed-up after three months and again after one year. The primary outcomes were the physical and the mental summary scales of the SF-36. Secondary outcomes were the other SF-36-scales and the SCL-90-R. The courses of the training's effects in the randomized controlled trial and the follow-ups were analyzed with linear mixed modeling. In the randomized controlled trial, the training had a significantly positive effect on the quality of life in the physical domain (Cohen's d = 0.38;p = .002), but this overall effect was not found in the mental domain. Regarding the secondary outcomes, the training resulted in reporting an improved physical (Cohen's d = 0.43;p = 0.01), emotional (Cohen's d = 0.44;p = 0.01), and social (Cohen's d = 0.36;p = 0.01) functioning, less pain and better functioning despite pain (Cohen's d = 0.51;p = <0.001), less physical symptoms (Cohen's d = -.23;p = 0.05) and less sleep difficulties (Cohen's d = -0.25;p = 0.04) than time in the waiting group. During the non-randomized follow-ups, there were no relapses. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The cognitive-behavioral group training tailored for UPS in primary care and provided by an outreaching secondary mental-health service appears to be effective and to broaden the accessibility of treatment for UPS. TRIAL REGISTRATION TrialRegister.nl NTR1609
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyonne N L Zonneveld
- Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Sykes R. Somatoform Disorder and the DSM-V Workgroup's Interim Proposals: Two Central Issues. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2012; 53:334-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Skritskaya NA, Carson-Wong AR, Moeller JR, Shen S, Barsky AJ, Fallon BA. A clinician-administered severity rating scale for illness anxiety: development, reliability, and validity of the H-YBOCS-M. Depress Anxiety 2012; 29:652-64. [PMID: 22504935 PMCID: PMC4672371 DOI: 10.1002/da.21949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinician-administered measures to assess severity of illness anxiety and response to treatment are few. The authors evaluated a modified version of the hypochondriasis-Y-BOCS (H-YBOCS-M), a 19-item, semistructured, clinician-administered instrument designed to rate severity of illness-related thoughts, behaviors, and avoidance. METHODS The scale was administered to 195 treatment-seeking adults with DSM-IV hypochondriasis. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subsample of 20 patients. Interrater reliability was assessed by 27 interviews independently rated by four raters. Sensitivity to change was evaluated in a subsample of 149 patients. Convergent and discriminant validity was examined by comparing H-YBOCS-M scores to other measures administered. Item clustering was examined with confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. RESULTS The H-YBOCS-M demonstrated good internal consistency, interrater and test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to symptom change with treatment. Construct validity was supported by significant higher correlations with scores on other measures of hypochondriasis than with nonhypochondriacal measures. Improvement over time in response to treatment correlated with improvement both on measures of hypochondriasis and on measures of somatization, depression, anxiety, and functional status. Confirmatory factor analysis did not show adequate fit for a three-factor model. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor solution with the first two factors consistent with the separation of the H-YBOCS-M items into the subscales of illness-related avoidance and compulsions. CONCLUSIONS H-YBOCS-M appears to be valid, reliable, and appropriate as an outcome measure for treatment studies of illness anxiety. Study results highlight "avoidance" as a key feature of illness anxiety-with potentially important nosologic and treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Skritskaya
- School of Social Work & Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York,Correspondence to: Natalia A. Skritskaya, Ph.D., School of Social Work, Columbia University, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., Room 835, New York, NY 10027.
| | | | | | - Sa Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York
| | - Arthur J. Barsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian A. Fallon
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute
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Noll-Hussong M, Autenrieth M, Pokorny D, Herberger S, Huber D. The subject, its biology, and the chronic recurrent cystitis. Case Rep Psychiatry 2012; 2012:601705. [PMID: 22934220 PMCID: PMC3420663 DOI: 10.1155/2012/601705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional disorders in urology are troubling for both patients and physicians. Moreover, advances in recent research promise to provide biological insights into psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunological pathways that are one important facet of chronic urogenital inflammations. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with long-lasting recurrent cystitis for which especially a psychosomatic approach helped to understand and cure the disorder. Altogether, as practitioners treat subjects, not illnesses, a biopsychosocial understanding of human disease should be taken into account in cases of chronic recurrent cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Noll-Hussong
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Am Hochstraess 8, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik fuer Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Langerstrasse 3, 81675 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Michael Autenrieth
- Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik des Klinikums rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Dan Pokorny
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Am Hochstraess 8, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Herberger
- Klinik fuer Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum Harlaching, Staedtisches Klinikum Muenchen, Sanatoriumsplatz 2, 81545 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Dorothea Huber
- Klinik fuer Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum Harlaching, Staedtisches Klinikum Muenchen, Sanatoriumsplatz 2, 81545 Muenchen, Germany
- International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Stromstrasse 3, 10555 Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Many dermatological disorders have a psychosomatic or behavioral aspect. Skin and brain continually interact through psychoneuroimmunoendocrine mechanisms and through behaviors that can strongly affect the initiation or flaring of skin disorders. It is important to consider these mind-body interactions when planning treatments for specific skin disorders in individual patients. Mind-influencing therapeutic options that can enhance treatment of skin disorders include standard psychotropic drugs, alternative herbs and supplements, the placebo effect, suggestion, cognitive-behavioral methods, biofeedback, and hypnosis. When individual measures do not produce the desired results, combinations of drugs or addition of non-drug therapies may be more successful. Psychophysiological skin disorders may respond well to non-drug and drug therapies that counteract stress. Treatment of primary psychiatric disorders often results in improvement of associated skin disorders. Psychiatric disorders secondary to skin disorders may also require treatment. Therapeutic options for each of these are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Shenefelt
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Sattel H, Lahmann C, Gündel H, Guthrie E, Kruse J, Noll-Hussong M, Ohmann C, Ronel J, Sack M, Sauer N, Schneider G, Henningsen P. Brief psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy for patients with multisomatoform disorder: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry 2012; 200:60-7. [PMID: 22075651 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.111.093526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisomatoform disorder is characterised by severe and disabling bodily symptoms, and pain is one of the most common and impairing of these. Furthermore, these bodily symptoms cannot be explained by an underlying organic disorder. Patients with multisomatoform disorder are commonly found at all levels of healthcare and are typically difficult to treat for physicians as well as for mental health specialists. AIMS To test whether brief psychodynamic interpersonal therapy (PIT) effectively improves the physical quality of life in patients who have had multisomatoform disorder for at least 2 years. METHOD We recruited 211 patients (from six German academic outpatient centres) who met the criteria for multisomatoform disorder for a randomised, controlled, 12-week, parallelgroup trial from 1 July 2006 to 1 January 2009 (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN23215121). We randomly assigned the patients to receive either 12 weekly sessions of PIT (n = 107) or three sessions of enhanced medical care (EMC, n = 104). The physical component summary of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was the pre-specified primary outcome at a 9-month follow-up. RESULTS Psychodynamic interpersonal therapy improved patients' physical quality of life at follow-up better than EMC (mean improvement in SF-36 score: PIT 5.3, EMC 2.2), with a small to medium between-group effect size (d = 0.42, 95% CI 0.15-0.69, P = 0.001). We also observed a significant improvement in somatisation but not in depression, health anxiety or healthcare utilisation. CONCLUSIONS This trial documents the long-term efficacy of brief PIT for improving the physical quality of life in patients with multiple, difficult-to-treat, medically unexplained symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sattel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
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Abstract
There is a wide debate among the researchers and clinicians over the diagnostic categories subsumed under the rubric of somatoform disorders (SDs). Recent proposals vary from radical views that call for removing this category altogether to the conservative views that suggests cosmetic changes in the diagnostic criteria of SDs. We have the reviewed the relevant literature through PUBMED search supplemented with manual search on current concepts of SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amlan K. Jana
- Department of Psychiatry, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Joyita Mazumdar
- Central Institute of Psychiatry, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
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Hatcher S, Gilmore K, Pinchen K. A follow-up study of patients with medically unexplained symptoms referred to a liaison psychiatry service. Int J Psychiatry Med 2011; 41:217-27. [PMID: 22073761 DOI: 10.2190/pm.41.3.a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The principal objective was to describe general hospital use and mortality in a group of patients with medically unexplained symptoms referred to a liaison psychiatry service. METHOD Cases were identified from patients with medically unexplained symptoms referred to a liaison psychiatry service between 1998 and 2005. We also identified a control group of patients, matched for age, sex, and date of referral, referred for other reasons to the same service. Follow-up information was obtained from the New Zealand Health Information Service national minimum data set from 1998 to 2006. Finally we compared hospital use in people with medically unexplained symptoms with national data on average length of stay in New Zealand hospitals. RESULTS Over 9 years 153 patients referred for medically unexplained symptoms spent nearly 14,000 days in hospital. They also had statistically significant greater numbers of general hospital admissions and fewer deaths compared to patients referred to liaison psychiatry for other reasons. Patients with medically unexplained symptoms spent 41% spent longer in hospital on each admission (5.5 days) compared to the New Zealand average length of stay in general hospitals (3.9 days). After referral to liaison psychiatry patients who were frequently admitted with medically unexplained symptoms experienced a statistically significant decrease in the number of admissions and length of stay per year. CONCLUSIONS Patients referred to a liaison psychiatry service with medically unexplained symptoms use substantial amounts of health service resources. They also have a lower mortality and are admitted to hospital more often than a matched control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hatcher
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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