Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders: A Treatment Group and Mixed-Methods Investigation

Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders: A Pilot Treatment Group and Mixed-Methods Investigation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group for individuals with a somatic symptom disorder (i.e., Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders from the DSM-5). Patients with somatic symptom and related disorders are underserved by the medical system. Further, there is currently a paucity of research aimed at evaluating treatments for patients with somatic symptom disorders. The limited existing research literature supports CBT as an efficacious treatment in this population, but a standardized means of modifying CBT for somatic symptom disorders has not been developed, and it is unclear if group CBT is effective. In this study, the investigators will evaluate the effectives of a new six session CBT group designed specifically to address commonly-reported difficulties among individuals with somatic symptom disorders, such as somatic symptoms, psychological distress, and related cognitive interference. This study will allow us to validate a new intervention for somatic symptom disorders, and will help to fill the current void of evidence-supported evaluation and treatment protocols to better serve patients with somatic symptom disorders.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years or older,
2. formally diagnosed with a somatic symptom or related disorder,
3. registered patients of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, and
4. subjective psychological complaints and somatic complaints causing distress and/or functional impairment.

Exclusion Criteria: individuals with

1. acute and severe depression/suicidal ideation,
2. severe PTSD symptoms,
3. current psychosis,
4. current substance use disorder, or
5. severe cognitive impairment will be excluded from the study and referred to a more appropriate intervention.