Treating patients with functional somatic symptoms. A treatment guide for use in general practice.
Patients who experience body symptoms in response to psychosocial stress are a challenge for the general practitioner (GP). This paper is a contribution to the improved treatment of these patients. It presents a specific psychosocial treatment model provided by the GP including the following steps: (a) taking a thorough symptom history, conducting a psychosocial anamnesis and exploring the patient's own perception of the illness, (b) developing alternative perceptions of the illness by understanding the psycho-physiological relationship; and (c) reducing the impact of psychosocial stress. The application of these specific techniques requires a trustful, helping alliance between the doctor and the patient and cooperation with mental health services.
Fritzsche
Kurt
K
Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany. KF@psysom.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Larisch
Astrid
A
D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy