Psychotherapy in psychosomatic disorders

Abstract

Published controlled studies of various psychotherapeutic techniques in psychosomatic disorders with adequate designs have formed the basis for the following conclusions: Psychotherapeutic techniques are effective in some patients with psychosomatic disorders. Some psychosomatic disorders, for example, bronchial asthma, peptic ulcer, and migraine headaches are perhaps more amenable to psychotherapy than others, for example, hypertension and ulcerative colitis. There is evidence to suggest that there are differences between the effectiveness of various psychotherapeutic techniques; a few patients differ perhaps from the rest in that they are helped most by the technique that is less effective for the majority.