Using CBT to Treat Psychogenic Symptoms

A short-term approach using cognitive-behavioral techniques was helpful, although gains did not persist.

Over one third of patients who present to physicians, especially neurologists, have medically unexplained symptoms that impair function and quality of life. Unfortunately, a practical, effective treatment is lacking. In patients with nonepileptic seizures, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) decreased seizure frequency but did not improve emotional or functional status (JW Psychiatry Jul 19 2010). To examine the efficacy of a CBT-based guided self-help (GSH) program for functional symptoms, researchers randomized 127 patients to receive usual care (UC) only or UC plus GSH. Participants had symptoms “not at all” or only “somewhat” explained by organic disease. Patients requiring “specialist psychiatric care” or whose only symptom was headache…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Using CBT to Treat Psychogenic Symptoms

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Reviewing Author