UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Functional Somatic Disorders: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abbass, A; Town, J; Holmes, H; Luyten, P; Cooper, A; Russell, L; Lumley, MA; ... Kisely, S; + view all (2020) Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Functional Somatic Disorders: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics , 89 (6) pp. 363-370. 10.1159/000507738. Green open access

[thumbnail of Article]
Preview
Text (Article)
Luyten_MA Clean.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (347kB) | Preview
[thumbnail of Figure]
Preview
Text (Figure)
Luyten_Figure.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (143kB) | Preview
[thumbnail of Luyten_TABLES rev.pdf]
Preview
Text
Luyten_TABLES rev.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (172kB) | Preview
[thumbnail of Online supplement]
Preview
Text (Online supplement)
Luyten_Online supplement.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (227kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: Functionalsomatic disorders (FSD) are common and costly, thereby driving the need for the development of effective brief treatment options. Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is one candidate treatment method. Objective: To review and meta-analyze, where possible, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of STPP for FSD. Methods: Following a systematic search of the literature, we performed a meta-analysis of available RCT groups to determine the effects of STPP on a range of outcomes after treatment, and medium- and long-term follow-ups. Results: In meta-analyses of 17 RCTs, STPP significantly outperformed minimal treatment, treatment as usual, or waiting list controls on somatic symptom measures at all time frames, with small to large magnitude effect sizes. Descriptive reviews of 5 RCTs suggest that STPP performed at least as well as other bona fide psychological therapies. Limitations of this meta-analysis include small samples of studies and possible publication bias. Conclusions: STPP is a valid treatment option for diverse FSD conditions resulting in somatic symptom reductions that persist over time. STPP should be included in FSD treatment guidelines.

Type: Article
Title: Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Functional Somatic Disorders: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1159/000507738
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1159/000507738
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, Somatoform disorders, Somatization, Somatic symptom disorders, Medically unexplained symptoms, Functional somatic disorders, Emotion, Alexithymia
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences > Clinical, Edu and Hlth Psychology
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10094653
Downloads since deposit
205Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item