A Psychological Approach to Medically Unexplained Somatic Symptoms

摘要

It is estimated that 20 of those seeking primary medical care have physical symptoms that are not caused by any disease or medical condition. Since such symptoms lack a biomedical explanation, it is believed that psychosocial factors contribute to their onset and perpetuation. However, individuals who experience unexplained somatic symptoms are treated almost exclusively by physicians using biomedical interventions. The present article aims to prepare mental health clinicians, particularly those in independent practice, for working with individuals with unexplained somatic symptoms. A maladaptive emotion regulation method known as somatization is identified as a key psychological factor that contributes to symptom formation and perpetuation. Psychotherapeutic implications are identified and clinical examples are provided to illustrate the application of a psychological approach to individuals with unexplained somatic symptoms.