Medically unexplained physical symptoms in primary care: a controlled study on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment by the family physician.
BACKGROUND
Disabling medically unexplained physical symptoms occur in 16% of all patients in primary care.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral intervention by the family physician.


METHODS
In a controlled design with detailed information on patient selection, 6,409 patients were screened on somatoform disorder, and 65 participants were allocated to care-as-usual or the experimental condition.


RESULTS
After 6 and 12 months, the cognitive-behavioral intervention by trained family physicians was not more effective than care-as-usual.


CONCLUSIONS
Possibly, the intensity of treatment was insufficient for the severe and persistent symptoms that were encountered in primary care.
Arnold
Ingrid A
IA
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. ingridarnold7@gmail.com
de Waal
Margot W M
MW
Eekhof
Just A H
JA
Assendelft
Willem J J
WJ
Spinhoven
Philip
P
van Hemert
Albert M
AM
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome