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. 2025 Apr;22(2):111-120.
doi: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20250201.

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy for Functional Somatic Disorders: A Scoping Review

Allan Abbass  1 , Behnia Haghiri  2
Affiliations

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy for Functional Somatic Disorders: A Scoping Review

Allan Abbass et al. Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are extremely common amongst neuropsychiatric and other specialty medicine referrals. Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is an emotionally focused form of brief therapy that has been researched and developed specifically for the diagnostic assessment and treatment of FSD, amongst other conditions.

Method: In this publication, we review the ISTDP theoretical underpinnings, the diagnostic assessment, treatment approach and evidence base.

Results: There are now over 50 publications evaluating ISTDP and its effect and processes in FSD. It has been demonstrated efficacious for the spectrum of functional somatic disorders, including chronic pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and functional neurological disorders among others. It has further been found more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of chronic pain. Further there is evidence that it is cost-effective in treating these conditions.

Conclusions: ISTDP is a broadly useful clinical tool in the assessment and treatment of FSD.

Keywords: emotion; psychodynamic; psychophysiological disorders; somatic symptoms; unconscious anxiety.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Triangle of conflict and Triangle of Person
Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Somatic symptoms disorders affecting various organs
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Abbass, A. A., & Town, J. M. (2021). Alliance rupture‐repair processes in intensive short‐term dynamic psychotherapy: Working with resistance. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(2), 398–413. 10.1002/jclp.23115 - DOI - PubMed

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