Somatoform pain Mental and Behavioural Disorders Somatoform pain
Conditions
Interventions
Patients receive out patient psychotherapy for 6 months. They were randomised into psychodynamic versus cognitive behavioural therapy. Therapy was manualized. Sessions took place twice a week and once
Sponsors
German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Patients were included if they had persistent pain (>6 months) without an adequate physical explanation after a broad multidisciplinary check and if they could understand German. Patients were referred by their general practitioners or specialists in or outside the university hospital. A total of 150 patients will be randomised to one of either therapies, patients living more than one hour driving distance to the university hospital cannot take part in out patient therapy and will serve as controls by receiving treatment as usual (n = 70). Due to the chronic condition, a one year follow-up will serve as primary outcome. A two year follow-up is intended.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Age 65, psychosis, severe substance dependency, missing understanding of German language, and a request to retire because of disease.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Pain intensity and pain disability. Due to the chronic condition, a one year follow-up will service as the primary outcome. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Pain intensity and pain disability. | — |
Countries
Germany
Outcome results
None listed