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.
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. ingridarnold7@gmail.com
Ingrid A
IA
Arnold
Margot W M
MW
de Waal
Just A H
JA
Eekhof
Willem J J
WJ
Assendelft
Philip
P
Spinhoven
Albert M
AM
van Hemert
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