Medically unexplained physical symptoms: the feasibility of group cognitive-behavioural therapy in primary care.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to estimate the number of patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) that could be eligible for group cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) and to assess the acceptability of this treatment.


METHODS
For 3 months, all consultations of one general practitioner (GP) were screened for MUPS. Patients with MUPS who were considered eligible for group CBT were interviewed and offered treatment.


RESULTS
From January to March 1999, 1084 consultations of 796 patients were screened. The GP classified the symptoms of 104 patients aged 25-79 as unexplained. Of these, 71 patients were not considered to be eligible for treatment, mainly due to a psychological attribution of the symptoms. The research interview was offered to 33 patients, 16 of them declined and 12 were interviewed. Seven out of the 12 eligible patients accepted treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In primary care, 18% of patients aged 25-79 years was estimated to have MUPS. For only a minority of these patients, group CBT was considered suitable and acceptable.
Arnold
I A
IA
Department of General Practice and Nursing Home, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2088, Leiden 23101 CB, The Netherlands. i.a.arnold@lumc.nl
Speckens
A E M
AE
van Hemert
A M
AM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004608:Eligibility Determination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome