title: Modifying the implicit illness-related self-concept in patients with somatoform disorders may reduce somatic symptoms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  According to dual process theories, not only do explicit but also implicit cognitive processes play a major role in the development and maintenance of somatoform disorders(SFDs). Recent evidence [1] suggests that patients with SFD shave a stronger implicit illness-related self-concept, which is related to the experience of medically unexplained symptoms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The current study was designed to investigate a possible causal link between biased implicit associations and symptoms in SFD patients by experimentally modifying the implicit illness-related self-concept.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-nine patients with SFDs (according to the DSM-IV) initially completed an Implicit Association Test(IAT) for assessing the implicit illness-related self-concept.Two weeks later, they underwent an evaluative conditioning task to modify the implicit self-concept.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After this procedure, a change toward a healthier implicit self-concept was apparent in the follow-up IAT. A reduction in symptom severity and changes in health- and body-related cognitions were observed 13 days after the training in the follow-up questionnaires.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that a biased implicit self-concept may be causally relevant for symptom experiences inpatients with SFDs. Existing cognitive behavioral treatments for SFDs might benefit from targeting implicit cognitive processes more directly.
authors.forename: Kathrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Riebel
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Egloff
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Witthöft
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055809:Illness Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires