Abstract
Although unexplained multiple symptoms and somatoform disorders are a highly prevalent condition in primary practice, few
randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been conducted. Moreover, most of these trials have
used only the usual medical treatment or wait list control groups. The present study included 134 outpatients showing at least
two medically unexplained symptoms. They were randomly assigned to eight weekly group sessions of either CBT or progressive
muscle relaxation (PMR) or wait list control and were assessed before and after treatment as well as 6 months after the end
of treatment. The number and intensity of somatoform symptoms were the primary outcome measures; depression, anxiety and physical
and mental health constituted the secondary outcome measures. CBT showed small effects (Cohen’s d = 0.44) for the treatment of somatoform disorders. Benefits of the treatment were sustained over 6 months of follow-up. However,
no differential effects of CBT and PMR were found. In conclusion, both CBT and PMR appear to be effective treatments for multiple
somatoform symptoms.
randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been conducted. Moreover, most of these trials have
used only the usual medical treatment or wait list control groups. The present study included 134 outpatients showing at least
two medically unexplained symptoms. They were randomly assigned to eight weekly group sessions of either CBT or progressive
muscle relaxation (PMR) or wait list control and were assessed before and after treatment as well as 6 months after the end
of treatment. The number and intensity of somatoform symptoms were the primary outcome measures; depression, anxiety and physical
and mental health constituted the secondary outcome measures. CBT showed small effects (Cohen’s d = 0.44) for the treatment of somatoform disorders. Benefits of the treatment were sustained over 6 months of follow-up. However,
no differential effects of CBT and PMR were found. In conclusion, both CBT and PMR appear to be effective treatments for multiple
somatoform symptoms.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-012-9474-3
- Authors
- Annette Schröder, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Koblenz-Landau, Ostbahnstrasse 10, 76829 Landau, Germany
- Jens Heider, Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
- Alexandra Zaby, Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
- Richard Göllner, Center for Educational Science and Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916