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Psychiatria Danubina, Vol. 22 No. 3, 2010.

Conference paper

SOMATOFORM PAIN DISORDER – OVERVIEW

Claas Lahmann ; Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Deutschland
Peter Henningsen ; Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Deutschland
Michael Noll-Hussong ; Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Deutschland

Full text: german pdf 120 Kb

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Abstract

Patients with severe and disabling pain and bodily distress
which cannot be explained by underlying organic pathology
are common in all levels of health care and are typically
difficult to treat for physicians as well as for mental health
specialists. Beside pain in different locations, not fully
explained by specific somatic pathology, specific functional
complaints such as dizziness, fatigue or vegetative disorders
are common. A great proportion of patients with somatoform
pain complain of comorbid depressive or anxiety disorder.
Psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy particularly
emphasises interpersonal processes as well as disturbance of
body awareness and self regulation already in childhood.
Cognitive-behavioral models focus on the phenomenon of
somatosensory amplification. The patients do have a strong
believe in an underlying somatic illness, therefore seeking for
further diagnostic and somatic therapy. This frequently leads
to multiple but ineffective therapeutic attempts in the field of
somatic medicine resulting in frustration of the patients and a
difficult doctor-patient-relationship. General therapeutic
recommendations include an active therapeutic approach with
paying tribute for the patients’ suffering and giving support to
cope with the pain. A specific psychodynamic approach
furthermore focuses on improvement of affect differentiation
and the interaction of somatoform pain and interpersonal
relationships.

Keywords

somatic disorders; somatoform pain disorder; psychotherapy

Hrčak ID:

76363

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76363

Publication date:

29.10.2010.

Article data in other languages: german

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