[The importance of the doctor-patient communication in the care of somatizing patients]

Abstract

The term "somatization" refers to the manifestation of multiple somatic complaints not explained by organic changes. According to the literature, 15-25 percent of all medical visits are related to somatization. As medical training does not put enough emphasis on the evaluation of the possible psychological background of certain somatic symptoms, physicians may feel powerless and make unjustified diagnostic and therapeutic efforts. The patients may also feel helpless and frustrated, their anxiety and the intensity of their complaints may increase. As stress is an important factor in the somatization process, stress reduction and improvement of coping are key elements of the treatment guidelines for chronic diseases. Evidence based interventions range from short counselling and medication to cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. Reattribution, a short (10-30 minutes) structured intervention that can be implemented in primary or secondary care, in certain cases can result in significant decrease in somatic symptoms and anxiety.

Keywords: doctor–patient communication; orvos–beteg kommunikáció; reattribution; reattribúció; somatization; stress management; stresszkezelés; szomatizáció.