A 32-year-old woman with somatic symptom disorder has been managed by a single physician who schedules fixed regular appointments, minimally reinforces the sick role, and gradually reduces unnecessary investigations. Which additional intervention has the best evidence as first-line psychological treatment?
- A Antipsychotic monotherapy
- B Long-term benzodiazepine therapy
- C Cognitive behavioural therapy ✓
- D Electroconvulsive therapy
Correct answer: C. Cognitive behavioural therapy
Explanation
Cognitive behavioural therapy is the best-evidenced psychological treatment for somatic symptom disorder; it targets catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations, illness behaviour, and excessive health-related checking. Regular scheduled reviews by one physician reduce doctor shopping and iatrogenic harm. Benzodiazepines risk dependence without benefit, and ECT or antipsychotics have no role unless a separate indication exists.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.