Medically unexplained physical symptoms in primary care: a controlled study on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural treatment by the general practitioner

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid A. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Behavioural Treatment ◽  
Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Medically Unexplained ◽  
Unexplained Physical Symptoms

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: A Pilot Study

1996 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. M. Speckens ◽  
Philip Spinhoven ◽  
Keith E. Hawton ◽  
Jan H. Bolk ◽  
Albert M. van Hemert
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Behavioural Treatment ◽  
Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Medically Unexplained ◽  
Unexplained Physical Symptoms

The aim of the study was to develop a cognitive behavioural treatment model for medically unexplained physical symptoms and assess its feasibility and effect in a small sample of patients. This study was the first step in the realization of a randomized controlled trial. The study population consisted of consecutive patients presenting at a general medical outpatient clinic, whose symptoms could not be explained by objective abnormal findings. The treatment was based on a general model of the disorder, consisting of the physical symptoms, the patient's attribution and perceived control and the cognitive, behavioural, physical and social consequences. It incorporated record keeping concerning physical symptoms and emotions, identification of cognitions about the symptoms, challenging dysfunctional thoughts and behavioural experiments. At 6–months follow-up, four of the five treated patients were improved with regard to frequency and intensity of the symptoms, psychological distress and functional impairment. The improvement was sustained at 1–year follow-up.

scholarly journals Identifying Treatment Modalities for a Multidisciplinary and Blended Care Intervention for Patients With Moderate Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Qualitative Study Among Professionals

10.2196/12203 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. e12203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Elisabeth van Westrienen ◽  
Martijn F Pisters ◽  
Marloes Gerrits ◽  
Cindy Veenhof ◽  
Niek J de Wit
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Medically Unexplained ◽  
Unexplained Physical Symptoms ◽  
Blended Intervention

Background Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a substantial health problem in primary care with a high burden for patients, general practitioners, and the health care system. Most studies focus on chronic MUPS patients. Little research is conducted in patients with moderate MUPS, and an effective primary care intervention for prevention of chronic MUPS is lacking. Objective The objective of our study was to identify treatment modalities based on expert opinions for the development of a multidisciplinary and blended intervention for patients with moderate MUPS to prevent chronicity. Methods Two focus groups with 8 and 6 experts (general practitioners, physical therapists, psychologists, and mental health nurses) were carried out. The focus groups were structured using the nominal group technique. Results A total of 70 ideas were generated from two nominal group meetings, and 37 of these got votes, were included in the rank order, and were sorted into 8 separate themes. According to the participants, the most important treatment modalities for a multidisciplinary and blended intervention in patients with moderate MUPS were (1) coaching to a healthier lifestyle, (2) education regarding psychosocial factors, (3) therapeutic neuroscience education, (4) multidisciplinary intake, (5) multidisciplinary cooperation and coordination, (6) relaxation or body awareness exercises, (7) clear communication by professionals to the patient, and (8) graded activity. Five independent researchers checked the ideas and linked them to themes to confirm the content analysis and check the validity of the themes. Conclusions From professional expert perspectives, 8 themes should be included in a multidisciplinary and blended intervention to prevent chronicity. These themes provide a first step in developing an intervention for patients with moderate MUPS. Future research should focus on further development steps in which patients with moderate MUPS should be involved to determine if the intervention matches their needs.

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