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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Process and Prognostic Factors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Anne E. M. Speckens ,
Philip Spinhoven ,
Albert M. van Hemert ,
Jan H. Bolk  and
Keith E. Hawton
Anne E. M. Speckens
Affiliation:
Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands
Philip Spinhoven
Affiliation:
Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands
Albert M. van Hemert
Affiliation:
Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands
Jan H. Bolk
Affiliation:
Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands
Keith E. Hawton
Affiliation:
Warneford Hospital, Oxford
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Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine the construct validity of a cognitive behavioural treatment model for medically unexplained physical symptoms and to examine potential predictors of treatment outcome. In concordance with the treatment model we used, the extent of hypochondriacal cognitions and psychological distress at baseline appeared to be associated. Change in hypochondriacal cognitions was related to change in psychological distress. The extent of hypochondriacal cognitions after treatment was predictive of the level of psychological distress at one year follow-up. The only baseline variable that predicted a negative treatment outcome was illness behaviour.

Type
Brief Clinical Reports
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 25 , Issue 3 , July 1997 , pp. 291 - 294
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1997

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References

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