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- Indian J Psychiatry
- v.62(Suppl 2); 2020 Jan
- PMC7001354
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Indian J Psychiatry. 2020 Jan; 62(Suppl 2): S263–S271.
Published online 2020 Jan 17. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_775_19
PMCID: PMC7001354
PMID: 32055068
Vivek Agarwal, Anil Nischal, Samir Kumar Praharaj,1 Vikas Menon,2 and Sujita Kumar Kar
Author information Article notes Copyright and License information PMC Disclaimer
INTRODUCTION
Somatoform disorders are characterized by the chronic presence of physical symptoms, which are not explained by any physical disease. All somatoform disorder subtypes share one common feature; predominance and persistence of unexplained somatic symptoms associated with significant distress and impairment. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) describes medically unexplained symptoms, with significant psychological distress as “somatoform disorders” [Table 1].[1] Patients with somatoform disorders often consult multiple physicians/specialists. Limited understanding of the somatoform disorder and its management among general physicians often results in repeated unnecessary investigations and polypharmacy.
Table 1
Somatoform disorders
| Category | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somatization disorder | Multiple, recurrent, variable physical symptoms involving several body systems, of 2 years duration (includes Briquet syndrome) |
| 2 | Undifferentiated somatoform disorder | Multiple, persistent, variable symptoms of severity and/or duration less than that of somatization disorder |
| 3 | Hypochondriacal disorder | Persistent preoccupation with the possibility of having a major disease or presumed bodily disfigurement/deformity (includes body dysmorphic disorder) |
| 4 | Somatoform autonomic dysfunction | Multiple unexplained symptoms related to systems under autonomic control (includes psychogenic cardiac, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary disorders) |
| 5 | Persistent somatoform pain disorder | Unexplained persistent and distressing pain symptoms of possible psychogenic origin |
| 6 | Other somatoform disorders | Unexplained symptoms limited to specific body parts/system not mediated by autonomic pathways (includes globus hystericus, psychogenic torticollis, psychogenic pruritus, psychogenic dysmenorrhoea, teeth grinding) |
| 7 | Somatoform disorder, unspecified | Unspecified medically unexplained symptoms |
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This guideline focuses on the evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions used for the management of somatoform disorders. It will help clinicians and mental health professionals understand the relevance of psychotherapy in the management of somatoform disorders in adults and in adopting various psychotherapeutic modalities in their clinical practice. The guideline for the management of somatoform disorders in children and adolescents has been published separately.[2]
ASSESSMENT
A thorough pretherapy assessment is the cornerstone of any psychotherapy for the somatoform disorder. This includes a detailed description of symptoms, patterns and severity, distress associated, and the effect on functioning [Table 2].
Table 2
Pretherapy assessment in somatoform disorder
| Component | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The presence of somatic symptoms | Symptoms without obvious medical cause or in clear excess to medical condition |
| 2 | Subjective description of symptoms | Description in local language (e.g., gas-like sensation, churning in bowels) |
| 3 | Number of symptoms | Higher number possibly indicates severe illness (monosymptomatic vs. polysymptomatic) |
| 4 | Symptom types related to body systems | Symptoms across body systems indicate severe illness (e.g., somatization disorder) |
| 5 | Frequency and duration of symptoms | Symptoms may fluctuate (continuous vs. intermittent), chronicity indicates severe illness |
| 6 | Severity of symptoms | The intensity of symptoms may vary (e.g., degree of pain as assessed by visual analog scale) |
| 7 | Pattern of symptoms | Symptoms are dynamic (symptoms change over time) |
| 8 | Beliefs about symptoms | Each patient will have specific beliefs related to the symptoms |
| 9 | Attribution | Persistent attribution to medical illness despite medical reassurance |
| 10 | Distress related to symptoms | Subjective distress demarcates presence of syndromal disorder |
| 11 | Interference with functioning | How the symptoms interfere with the functioning |
| 12 | Aggravating and relieving factors | Factors that worsen or improve the symptoms |
| 13 | Mood and anxiety symptoms | These symptoms may be present at syndromal or subsyndromal level |
| 14 | Medical illness | Comorbid medical illness present (may or may not account for all the somatic symptoms) |
| 15 | Psychosocial factors | Factors related to somatic symptoms (though not acknowledged by the patient) |
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ASSESSMENT OF BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS
Multiple factors play a role in the development and persistence of symptoms of the somatoform disorder [Table 3]. Identifying and addressing them during the therapy is important. Certain personality characteristics of an individual increase his/her vulnerability for the somatoform disorder. The presence of stress often acts as a predisposing, precipitating as well as perpetuating factor in the development and maintenance of somatoform disorder. Medical and psychiatric comorbidities may lead to the persistence of features of somatoform disorder.[3] The assessment should also focus on identifying the strengths of the individual (the presence of psychosocial support, having a job, and nonsubstance user) and strengthening them further during the therapy process.
Table 3
Assessment of biopsychosocial factors
| Factors | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genetic | Family history of somatization |
| 2 | Early life events | Childhood adversities such as separation from mother, abuse or maltreatment, neglect, insecure attachment |
| 3 | Recent life events | Major life events in the past year |
| 4 | Chronic daily life stress | This includes feeling pressured at work, feeling “tensed,” frequent arguments with family members |
| 5 | Coping | Not able to handle everyday demands of life |
| 6 | Unhealthy lifestyle | Lack of exercise, substance use, irregular sleep pattern |
| 7 | Personality factors | Presence of alexithymia, Type A behavior, coping styles |
| 8 | Support system | Lack of social support (emotional or instrumental), Employment status, Financial condition |
| 9 | Comorbid medical or psychiatric disorders | Long-standing medical illnesses, substance use, other psychiatric comorbidities |
| 10 | Cultural factors | Higher somatizing tendencies |
STRUCTURED ASSESSMENTS FOR SOMATOFORM DISORDER
In addition to clinical assessment, subjective and objective rating tools may be used to assess the severity of somatoform disorder at baseline and to monitor the improvement in symptoms with therapy. The commonly used instruments are summarized in Table 4.
Table 4
Rating instruments for somatoform disorder
| Scale | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHQ-15 | A 15-item questionnaire exploring 15 somatic symptoms. Each symptom is rated from 0 (refers to – not bothered at all) to 2 (refers to – bothered a lot). The cut-off points for low, medium and high symptom severity are 5, 10 and 15 respectively[4] |
| 2 | SSS-8 | An 8-item self-report scale. The symptoms are rated from 0 (not at all) to 4 (very much). The score ranges from 0 to 32. The severity of the symptoms is rated as “no to minimal:” 0–3; “low:” 4–7; “medium:” 8–11; “high:” 12–15; and “very high:” 16–32[5] |
| 3 | SASS | This scale consists of four subscales: 1. Pain-related symptoms; 2. Sensory somatic symptoms; 3. Non-specific somatic symptoms; 4. Biological function related symptoms. The symptom severity is rated on a four-point scale ranging from 0 to 3, where “0” refers to absent; “1” refers to mild; “2” refers to moderate and “3” refers to severe. The scale measures symptoms during the past 2 weeks[6] |
| 4 | SSI | A scale listing 11 symptoms used for screening. The presence of 5 or more symptoms suggest somatoform disorder[7] |
| 5 | BSI | This is a multi-ethnic inventory of somatic symptoms present with depressive and anxiety symptoms. It contains 46 items[8] |
| 6 | WI | It has 14 items used to characterize three dimensions, a) disease conviction, b) somatic preoccupation, and c) disease phobia[9] |
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PHQ-15 – Patient health questionnaire 15; SSS-8 – Somatic Symptom Scale 8; SASS – Scale for the Assessment of Somatic Symptoms; SSI – Swartz Somatization Index; BSI – Bradford Somatic Inventory; WI – Whitley Index
FORMULATING A MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY IN SOMATOFORM DISORDERS
Over the last decade or so, the evidence base for psychotherapies in somatoform disorders has grown significantly. This has contributed greatly to our understanding of what works and what does not in this group of patients. A Cochrane review[10] showed only modest benefits for nonpharmacological interventions, including cognitive-behavior therapy in somatoform disorders. Analyzing these findings, Schroder and colleagues conclude that illness severity, quality and quantity of psychological treatment are important moderators of treatment efficacy. With this in mind, clinicians should note the following general and specific considerations in formulating a treatment plan.
The medications being given for physical as well as psychiatric problems should be continued in liaison with respective physicians. For any new symptoms, the opinion of specialists should be sought.
BASIC STRATEGIES
The basic principles in the management of somatoform disorders can be divided into physician-centered and patient-centered strategies, regardless of their specific diagnosis [Table 5].
Table 5
Physician and patient centered strategies
| A. Physician centered strategies and their respective elements | |
|---|---|
| Strategy | Elements |
| 1. Establishing a therapeutic alliance | This is the cornerstone of all the successful nonpharmacological approach and forms the base upon which the therapist makes further recommendations including delivery of the diagnosis |
| 2. Validating the nature of and distress caused by symptoms | A thorough clinical assessment, including history and examination is necessary. The findings of the examinations are conveyed to the patient while validating their symptoms |
| 3. Manage general medical conditions | All comorbid general medical conditions are treated appropriately |
| 4. Restrict diagnostic testing and specialist referrals | Limiting diagnostic testing and unnecessary referrals is essential so as to avoid the “next best investigation trap” which is frequently suggested by the patients |
| 5. Communicate with the patient | Includes an open discussion about the formulation of the symptom(s) in biopsychosocial terms (e.g., back pain caused by stress-induced muscle tension and perpetuated by bad sleep habits), the diagnostic tests proposed and outcomes anticipated, the treatment options available, reassurance and setting goals of treatment (whether symptom reduction or cure). The psychogenic basis of the illness and relevance of learning certain therapeutic skills to deal with the psychological distress also need to be communicated to the patient |
| 6. Avoid “dualistic thinking” trap | Patients may try to steer the conversation towards whether the symptoms are purely mental, based on the fact that they have been referred for psychiatric evaluation. Gently move the discussion from “either mental or physical” to “mental as well as physical.” Evidence suggests that patients are often ready to receive both biological as well as psychosocial explanations for their problem |
| 7. Carefully target reassurance | Desist from excessive reassurance and acknowledge uncertainty about the cause of symptoms. Explain that symptoms do not equate with disease and educate about coping with physical symptoms |
| 8. Treat any concurrent anxiety or depression | Early identification and management of these treatable co-morbidities should be focussed upon |
| 9. Shift focus away from symptoms to functioning | Though the patient may focus on the symptom at every visit, the therapist should focus on other areas of life such as work output, activity, and sleep |
| 10. Maintain consistency | This implies that the therapist sticks to the case formulation and management plan in successive consultations and does not get pressurized into changing course in the face of evolving anger or frustration on the part of either the patient or physician |
| 11. Liaise with other specialists involved in care of the patient | Very often, bodily symptoms may require multidisciplinary care for optimum benefits. It also sends across a message to nonpsychiatrists about the necessity and possibility of a collaborative care approach to the management of these cases |
| 12. Be aware of prescription drug dependence (commonly benzodiazepine dependence) | This can affect engagement with and effectiveness of therapy. To avoid this undesirable complication, emphasis should always be given to nonpharmacological strategies as the first line of treatment |
| 13. Look for hints that suggest a psychosocial contributor to the problem | An example of this is symptoms getting exacerbated following an argument with the spouse. The psychosocial factor may/may not have a temporal correlation with the onset of somatoform disorder. These variables need to be explained to the client (as an explanatory model for the illness) during psychoeducation and can be targeted in the therapy too |
| B. Patient-centered strategies and their respective elements | |
| Strategy | Elements |
| 1. Explicit resetting of treatment goals | The goals of the treatment are restated with a shift in focus from symptoms to functional improvement |
| 2. Lifestyle changes | Encourage the patient to adopt a healthy lifestyle such as; regular aerobic exercises, balanced diet, sleep hygiene practices, and pursuing hobbies. This will simultaneously activate reward mechanisms in the brain as well as boost the body’s own endogenous opioid systems resulting in attenuation of pain symptoms if any |
| 3. Addressing illness beliefs, dysfunctional behaviors (such as avoidance), explanatory models, health-related anxiety and disease conviction | There is a fair amount of evidence showing that these variables are linked to disease outcomes and prognosis in somatoform disorders and therefore, are important for clinicians to address |
| 4. Manage “secondary gain” | Explain caregiver the concept of secondary gains and gradually reduce these gains |
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SPECIFIC TREATMENTS
Most of the patients benefit from the general measures that have been outlined above. In addition, simple techniques as listed [Table 6] can be used in settings where limited time is available for consultation. If these techniques are not effective, patients may be considered for more specific and intensive psychotherapy.
Table 6
Simple therapeutic techniques for somatoform disorder
| Technique | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Positive suggestion: Somatic symptoms improve with “positive” suggestion about the definite diagnosis, as compared to “negative” suggestion of uncertainty of diagnosis and outcome | This can be incorporated as part of psychiatric consultation |
| 2 | Symptoms clinic intervention: Initially provide biomedical explanations for symptoms and initiate psychosocial talk when cued by the patient | Shorter and less psychologically oriented |
| 3 | Reattribution therapy: The three parts of this brief intervention includes a) feeling understood – to elicit physical symptoms, psychosocial problems, mood state, beliefs about the problem, relevant examination and tests, b) changing or broadening the agenda – to summarize physical and psychosocial findings and negotiate, and c) making the link – explanation relating the physical symptom to psychosocial problem based on timing or physiology | Has been studied well, but in absence of clear psychosocial problem it is difficult to use |
| 4 | Problem-solving approach: Simple steps of problem-solving can be taught to patients in situations when symptoms are related to conflict because of indecision regarding a different course of action | Advantage and disadvantage matrix can be constructed |
| 5 | Guided imagery: Construct an image representing a symptom in their mind and then they change it to become “how it should be” | Has been used in gastrointestinal disorders |
| 6 | Combined consultation: Simultaneous presence of a physician and a psychiatrist during the process of investigation, announcement of diagnosis and treatment plan | A pragmatic approach. An alternative is a sequential consultation |
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Various forms of psychotherapy have been recommended for somatoform disorder. Evidence supports the role of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, acceptance and commitment therapy, and relaxation therapy in the management of individual subtypes of somatoform disorders [Table 7]. There are specific forms of psychotherapy described for specific somatoform autonomic dysfunction, for example, gut-directed psychotherapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Patients, who are considered for psychotherapy, need to be assessed for suitability for psychotherapy. The level of evidence for various psychotherapeutic interventions for somatoform disorder has been mentioned in Table 8.
Table 7
Evidence-based psychotherapies in individual somatoform disorders
| Disorder | Therapy | Active components |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Somatization disorder/Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder | First line | |
| Psychoeducation | Emphasize the mechanism of symptoms than cause/encourage coping. Evidence exists for both individual and group format. Can be combined with consultation letter to physician | |
| Brief intervention – comprising of psychoeducation, relaxation therapy, and reattribution training | Empathically provide information to patient, progressive muscular relaxation and encourage a biopsychosocial approach to the symptom | |
| CBT | Targeting catastrophic misinterpretation of symptoms and encourage behavioral activation/functioning. Evidence says that individual CBT may be superior to group CBT | |
| Supportive psychotherapy | Listen, validate, empathize and targeted reassurance of the patient | |
| Relaxation therapy | Training on progressive muscular relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing | |
| Second line | ||
| Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy | Aim for insight into various unconscious phenomena, while others seek to address alexithymia, or difficulty identifying and experiencing emotions | |
| Family therapy | Examine the family’s contribution to symptoms and their reactions. Joint discussions with family allow them to be more supportive toward the patient | |
| Stress management | Combines elements of relaxation, problem-solving, assertiveness training, and time management | |
| 2. Hypochondriasis | First line | |
| CBT | Cognitive restructuring, Exposure and response prevention to tackle maladaptive behaviors | |
| Second line | ||
| MBCT | Combines mindfulness meditation with elements of CBT | |
| Acceptance and commitment therapy | Mindfulness training, acceptance of feared thoughts and feelings, clarification of values, and commitment to change behavior | |
| Third line | ||
| Problem-solving therapy | Six step approach to defining, listing and weighing up solutions and implementing them | |
| Relaxation therapy | Progressive muscle relaxation, release only muscle relaxation, and diaphragmatic breathing | |
| Behavior stress management | Combines elements of relaxation, problem-solving, assertiveness training, and time management | |
| 3. Persistent somatoform pain disorder | First line | |
| CBT | Patient education, behavioral skill training, and cognitive-restructuring. Can be given in individual or group format | |
| Biofeedback | Psychophysiological demonstration of how mental faculties can influence physiological or biological functions | |
| Second line | ||
| Family therapy | Focus on communication patterns and appropriate responses | |
| Relaxation therapy | Targets muscular tension to relieve pain. Induced self-hypnosis also described. Often combined with CBT approaches |
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MBCT – Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; CBT – Cognitive behaviour therapy
Table 8
Evidence for psychotherapies in somatoform disorder
| Title of the study | Study design/sample | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2019)[11] | Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials 15 randomized controlled trials; pooled n=1671 Psychotherapy: CBT | CBT is effective for the somatic symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms in somatoform disorder |
| 2.The effect of positive psychology interventions on well-being and distress in clinical samples with psychiatric or somatic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2018)[12] | Systematic review and meta-analysis 30 studies; pooled n=1864 Psychotherapy: Positive psychology interventions | Positive psychology interventions have a beneficial role in somatic disorders by reducing stress and promoting well being Effect size: Small |
| 3.CBT for Health Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2017)[13] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials 14 randomized controlled trials; pooled n=1544 Psychotherapy: CBT | Psychological interventions are superior to usual care, medication, and other psychological treatments Effect size: large |
| 4. CBT for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published controlled trials (2017)[14] | Meta-analysis of controlled trials 11 controlled trials; pooled n=1235 Psychotherapy: Standard CBT and mindfulness-based CBT | CBT is more effective than treatment as usual or enhanced usual care Effect size: Moderate |
| 5.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2016)[15] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials 7 randomized controlled trials; pooled n=299 Psychotherapy: CBT | CBT is superior to waitlisted controls and psychological placebo in body dysmorphic disorder |
| 6. Nonpharmacological interventions for somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) in adults (2014)[10] | Cochrane database systematic review 21 randomized controlled trials; pooled n=2658 Psychotherapy: CBT, Mindfulness CBT, Behaviour therapies, Psychodynamic therapies, Integrative therapy | Psychological interventions are superior to usual care Effect size: Small Quality of evidence: Low to moderate |
| 7. Effectiveness of psychotherapy for severe somatoform disorder: meta-analysis (2014)[16] | Meta-analysis of controlled trials 10 randomized controlled trials and 6 nonrandomized controlled trials; pooled n=1438 Psychotherapy: CBT, Psychodynamic interventions, Affective interventions, Interpersonal interventions, Experiential interventions, Body-directed interventions | Psychotherapies are more effective than treatment as usual Effect size: Moderate |
| 8.Mindfulness-Based Therapies in the Treatment of Somatization Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2013)[17] | Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 13 randomized controlled trials; pooled n=1092 Psychotherapy: Mindfulness-based stress reduction, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Mindfulness-based pain management, Mindfulness meditation, Mindfulness CBT | Mindfulness-based therapies are superior to waitlisted controls in reducing pain, depression, anxiety, symptom severity and improving quality of life Effect size: Small to moderate Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is better than unspecified mindfulness-based therapies |
| 9. Efficacy of short-term psychotherapy for multiple medically unexplained physical symptoms: a meta-analysis (2011)[18] | Meta-analysis of controlled trials 27 controlled trials; pooled n=1781 Psychotherapy: CBT, behavioral intervention, progressive muscular relaxation | Short-term Psychotherapy is superior to treatment as usual Effect size: Small |
| 10.Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for somatic disorders. Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials (2009)[19] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials 14 trials; pooled n=1870 Psychotherapy: Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy | Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy has a beneficial role for physical as well as psychological symptoms and sociooccupational functioning |
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CBT – Cognitive behaviour therapy
The assessment of suitability for specific psychotherapy
Suitability assessment aims at evaluating the factors that decide whether a patient with somatoform disorder is suitable for psychotherapy.[20] Suitability determines the outcome of therapy. The factors can be divided into patient-, illness- and therapist-related factors [Figure 1].
Figure 1
Factors related to suitability of therapy
CBT is one of the most evidence-based therapies for patients with somatoform disorder. Patients who are planned for CBT need to be assessed for the cognitive errors (distortions), severity, and nature of distress the individual is experiencing, the maladaptive behavioral patterns (avoidance behavior) along with the sociooccupational and interpersonal impairments.[21] The assessment of several other psychological factors that might be useful from the psychotherapy point of view are – attribution style, coping skills, and perceived stress.
The assessment for psychotherapy in somatoform disorders is not limited to pretherapy assessment. The clinician/therapist needs to evaluate the progress of therapy by serially assessing the improvement during the course of therapy.[22] The therapist needs to assess the client's adherence to therapy, factors that hinder the adherence to tasks assigned during the therapy sessions, any ongoing stressor as well as client's attitude toward therapy. The success of psychotherapy depends a lot on individual responsibility; hence, during therapy, it needs to be assessed and reinforced regularly. The competence of the therapist and compliance of the client determine the outcome of the therapy.[23]
CHOICE OF TREATMENT SETTING
By and large, most patients with somatoform disorders are treated in the outpatient setting using strategies outlined in the previous section. However, there may be exceptional situations in which one may consider inpatient care for different subtypes of somatoform disorder [Box 1].
Box 1
Situations where in-patient care for somatization disorder can be considered
| Persistent somatization (Lipowski’s criteria)[17] |
| Patients with severe and long-standing physical disabilities (such as wheelchair bound or dependent on walking aids) who require both physical and psychological rehabilitation |
| When there is a need of multidisciplinary evaluation and psychological testing and when this may be better achieved by admitting the patient |
| When therapy needs to be planned on a more intensive basis either for the primary disorder or associated co-morbidities (such as depression) |
| When the family environment carries severe stressors and a brief change of environment is deemed helpful in symptom removal |
| When the patient resides far-away and may not be able to meet the structure and frequency of outpatient visits at least during the initial phase of treatment |
| When there is severe caregiver distress; to provide caregivers respite from the burden of care |
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Admission is usually time-limited, and once the necessary evaluation or symptom removal is done, it is advisable to discharge the patient and continue further treatment on outpatient basis as prolonged admission may foster the sick role and contribute to chronicity of symptoms.[24,25]
AVOIDING DEPENDENCE
During psychotherapy, the therapist needs to evaluate the client for evidence of the development of dependence on therapist. Transference may be a reason for the development of dependence. Box 2 provides an indicative list of situations where dependence on therapist may be suspected.
Box 2
Situations where dependence on the therapist may be suspected
| The client insists on frequent sessions |
| Lack of progress after the initial few sessions |
| Bringing up too many other issues (which are not part of initially agreed-upon agenda) |
| The spacing of the sessions resulting in worsening of symptoms |
| Resisting the change of therapist |
| Unreasonable demands from the client |
| Concurrent Personality disorder (especially anxious/dependent personality disorder) |
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Early identification of dependence on therapist and timely intervention is essential to achieve the desired outcome of therapy.[26] Carefully setting the agenda, adhering to the agenda, preparing the client to deal with psychological conflicts, spacing the sessions as the therapy progresses, and periodically evaluating for therapeutic dependence will help prevent it. Identifying the development of dependence, discussing the dependency issues with the client during the therapy sessions, working on the self-esteem of the client as well as the psychodynamics of dependence is an integral part of the therapy process.
TERMINATING TREATMENT
Evidence supports that nearly one-fourth of the patients undergoing psychotherapy report improvement after single session, and nearly half of the patients report improvement by the end of eight sessions.[27]
There is no general consensus on “when to stop psychotherapy in somatoform disorder?” Conventionally, patients require 10–20 sessions of therapy. However, some patients may need more sessions. The therapy can be stopped, when:
There is a substantial improvement of the symptoms
There is serious transference or counter-transference (may be shifted to another therapist)
There is no improvement or little improvement despite therapy (with adequate adherence to therapy, and even after evaluating and addressing factors that might contribute to nonresponse)
The patient is not willing to continue therapy further (as it is a collaborative process).
MAINTENANCE AND FOLLOW-UP IN SOMATOFORM DISORDERS
Follow-up visits should follow a predetermined schedule and should not be symptom contingent. There is no ideal frequency of follow-up that suits or fits all patients. The visit interval differs for individual patients. The goal is to find the right frequency that avoids the need for emergency visits or out of turn physical or telephonic appointments. Crisis calls must be handled supportively, yet firmly. As far as a possible therapist should try to adhere to the follow-up schedule already agreed on. In most cases, a reasonable schedule for stable patients would be one visit every 1 or 2 months. This schedule can be further tapered for those with good recovery.
The focus during follow-up visits is always to encourage functioning and coping. Early detection and treatment may limit functional impairment and improve prognosis in somatoform disorders.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS DURING FOLLOW-UP
Ongoing patient and family education about symptoms and their changing nature may be necessary to allay concerns and facilitate return to normal routines and functioning
The family members must be educated to spend time with and pay attention to the patient even on symptom-free days so that the secondary gain from the symptoms is reduced
The patient should be educated that minor variations in symptoms are common and need not be attributed to any “new pathology” in the body. If any stressor is anticipated following return to home or work, plans to address them should be chalked out in advance
Any fresh symptom in follow-up must be discussed with the primary care provider. The temptation to discuss with family and assign “seriousness” labels must be strictly avoided
Family members can make use of distraction techniques (such as taking the patient out for a walk or a movie) to reduce the focus on bodily symptoms
The therapist must be particularly vigilant against the possibility of a continued sick role or adoption of a “dependent” lifestyle on the part of the patient. Periodic assessment for psychiatric comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation should be carried out.
STEPPED CARE MODEL
A hierarchical symptom intensity-based approach has been described for the management of somatoform disorders.[28] Essentially, a stepped care model, it advises initial basic care along with watchful waiting and follow-up for mild symptoms while simultaneously recognizing that more intensive, specialist driven psychotherapeutic approaches may be required in addition to basic care for more severe presentations. The distinction between mild, moderate, and severe symptom intensity is essentially based on clinician judgment which takes into account somatic and psychological extent of symptoms, loss of sociooccupational functioning, dysfunctional expectations, and abnormal illness behavior. The salient features of this stepped care model are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2
Hierarchical stepped care model for the management of functional somatic syndromes
CONCLUSIONS
The somatoform disorder includes a range of conditions, spanning from single unexplained symptom to polysymptomatic form, involving one organ system to multiple systems, and of varying severity levels. Approach to somatoform disorder includes a thorough assessment and use of simple psychotherapeutic techniques in most cases. A close liaison with other professionals is important to maintain the continuity of treatment. Few patients will require specific psychotherapy techniques and follow-up for a longer term to achieve adequate control of symptoms.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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