Abstract
Background
Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are physical symptoms for which no adequate medical explanation can be found aer
proper examination. The presence of MUPS is the key feature of conditions known as 'somatoform disorders'. Various psychological
and physical therapies have been developed to treat somatoform disorders and MUPS. Although there are several reviews on nonpharmacological interventions for somatoform disorders and MUPS, a complete overview of the whole spectrum is missing.
Objectives
To assess the eMects of non-pharmacological interventions for somatoform disorders (specifically somatisation disorder, undiMerentiated
somatoform disorder, somatoform disorders unspecified, somatoform autonomic dysfunction, pain disorder, and alternative somatoform
diagnoses proposed in the literature) and MUPS in adults, in comparison with treatment as usual, waiting list controls, attention placebo,
psychological placebo, enhanced or structured care, and other psychological or physical therapies.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group's Specialised Register (CCDANCTR) to November 2013. This
register includes relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. We ran an
additional search on theCochraneCentralRegister ofControlledTrials anda citedreference search on theWebof Science.We also searched
grey literature, conference proceedings, international trial registers, and relevant systematic reviews.
Selection criteria
We included RCTs and cluster randomised controlled trials which involved adults primarily diagnosed with a somatoform disorder or an
alternative diagnostic concept of MUPS, who were assigned to a non-pharmacological intervention compared with usual care, waiting
list controls, attention or psychological placebo, enhanced care, or another psychological or physical therapy intervention, alone or in
combination.
Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are physical symptoms for which no adequate medical explanation can be found aer
proper examination. The presence of MUPS is the key feature of conditions known as 'somatoform disorders'. Various psychological
and physical therapies have been developed to treat somatoform disorders and MUPS. Although there are several reviews on nonpharmacological interventions for somatoform disorders and MUPS, a complete overview of the whole spectrum is missing.
Objectives
To assess the eMects of non-pharmacological interventions for somatoform disorders (specifically somatisation disorder, undiMerentiated
somatoform disorder, somatoform disorders unspecified, somatoform autonomic dysfunction, pain disorder, and alternative somatoform
diagnoses proposed in the literature) and MUPS in adults, in comparison with treatment as usual, waiting list controls, attention placebo,
psychological placebo, enhanced or structured care, and other psychological or physical therapies.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group's Specialised Register (CCDANCTR) to November 2013. This
register includes relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. We ran an
additional search on theCochraneCentralRegister ofControlledTrials anda citedreference search on theWebof Science.We also searched
grey literature, conference proceedings, international trial registers, and relevant systematic reviews.
Selection criteria
We included RCTs and cluster randomised controlled trials which involved adults primarily diagnosed with a somatoform disorder or an
alternative diagnostic concept of MUPS, who were assigned to a non-pharmacological intervention compared with usual care, waiting
list controls, attention or psychological placebo, enhanced care, or another psychological or physical therapy intervention, alone or in
combination.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |