[Psychotherapy of somatoform disorders].
OBJECTIVE
To present a review of the current state of the art of psychotherapy of somatoform disorders from a psychodynamic-interpersonal perspective.


METHODS
The review is based on an analysis of the literature used for evidence-based guidelines on the treatment of somatoform disorders and on our own experiences and models of these disorders. An elaboration of practical aspects of psychotherapy with these patients makes up an essential part of the review.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychotherapy of somatoform disorders is efficient and effective if the typical interpersonal patterns of these patients are taken into account and if the therapist maintains a more active attitude, avoiding early psychosocial interpretations of the somatoform complaints.
Rudolf
Gerd
G
Psychosomatische Universitätsklinik, Thibautstr. 2, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
Henningsen
Peter
P
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011573:Psychoanalytic Interpretation; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome