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An Integrative Approach to Somatoform Disorders Combining Interpersonal and Cognitive-behavioral Theory and Techniques

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Abstract

Data regarding the treatment of somatoform disorders suggest that the gains associated with current psychopharmacologic or psychotherapeutic treatments are modest at best. There have been a few moderately effective treatments for selected functional somatic syndromes, but patients who present with multi-system symptoms meeting criteria for the DSM-IV somatoform disorders are notoriously unresponsive to treatment. Experts in the field have advocated several approaches, including interpersonally oriented and cognitive-behavioral therapies, and have emphasized the importance of the provision of reassurance within the doctor-patient relationship. While each individual approach has merit, none is likely to be maximally efficacious as a stand-alone treatment. In this article we describe the theoretical underpinnings and technical aspects of a treatment for somatizing patients that integrates these three elements.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the following grants: 5K24MH72757-02 (NIMH- Stuart). A. Barsky's work was supported by grant NIMH MH 040487 and NIAMS AR47014

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, 1-293 Medical Education Building, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Scott Stuart & Russell Noyes Jr.

  2. Department of Psychological Medicine, Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney/Penrith, Australia

    Vladan Starcevic

  3. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA

    Arthur Barsky

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  1. Scott Stuart
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  2. Russell Noyes Jr.
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  3. Vladan Starcevic
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  4. Arthur Barsky
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Correspondence to Scott Stuart.

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Stuart, S., Noyes, R., Starcevic, V. et al. An Integrative Approach to Somatoform Disorders Combining Interpersonal and Cognitive-behavioral Theory and Techniques. J Contemp Psychother 38, 45–53 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-007-9067-8

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