Randomized controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy for repeated consultations for medically unexplained complaints: a feasibility study in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Intervention based on cognitive behavioural therapy is feasible and acceptable to patients with medically unexplained symptoms from a general out-patients clinic in Sri Lanka. It had a significant effective in reducing symptoms, visits and distress, and in increasing patient satisfaction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Somatoform Disorders

“…Treatment protocols were similar to that of Lidbeck (1997) and Speckens et al, (1995) with the addition of involving the patient's spouse or other family member in treatment (Escobar et al, 2007;Sumathipala et al, 2000). Findings from both trials show individual CBT coincided with greater reductions in somatic complaints than did standard medical care (Escobar et al, 2007;Sumathipala et al, 2000). CBT was associated with a reduction in the number of physician visits in one study (Sumathipala et al, 2000).…”

“…Findings from both trials show individual CBT coincided with greater reductions in somatic complaints than did standard medical care (Escobar et al, 2007;Sumathipala et al, 2000). CBT was associated with a reduction in the number of physician visits in one study (Sumathipala et al, 2000).…”

“…That is, men were required to experience at least four somatization symptoms and women were required to experience at least six somatization symptoms (Escobar et al, 2007). The other trial enrolled participants who complained of five or more unexplained physical symptoms (Sumathipala, Hewege, Hanwella, & Mann, 2000). In both studies patients were identified and treated with CBT in primary care.…”

Challenges and opportunities in developing a psychological intervention for perinatal depression in rural Pakistan – a multi-method study

“…CBT is one of the few 'talking' therapies that have been found to be effective for psychological problems in a low-income country (Sumathipala et al, 2000). However, the use of CBT principles by health workers with only a basic education has not been tested before in a developing country.…”

A Randomized Trial of Treatments for High-Utilizing Somatizing Patients

“…[10][11][12][13][14][15] The evidence appears strongest for cognitive and behavioral approaches employing varying combinations of reframing, goal setting, self-monitoring and self-management, and reinforcement. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Providing physicians with management guidelines [24][25][26][27] and educational programs has also been found to be modestly effective. 28,29 However, much room remains for improving the care of somatizing and hypochondriacal patients for several reasons.…”