Testing Combined Cognitive-Behavioral and Biofeedback Therapy for Somatic Symptom Disorder in Adults Aged 20 to 70

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying somatic symptom disorder SSD, a psychiatric condition characterized by distressing physical symptoms and related psychological issues. This study aims to develop and test an integrative psychotherapy combining cognitive-behavioral therapy CBT and biofeedback therapy to assess its effects on treating SSD. The research uses a randomized controlled design with a waiting list control group to compare outcomes like patient health and health anxiety. Participants in the experimental group will receive eight sessions of CBT and biofeedback therapy over three months. The control group will initially be on a waiting list without intervention, with data collected during this observation period. Afterward, they will also receive the same psychotherapy as the experimental group. Biofeedback therapy involves monitoring biological signals related to stress and relaxation to help patients understand their connection to physical and mental responses. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed using questionnaires such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 and Health Anxiety Questionnaire, along with other psychological and biological measures like depression, anxiety, cognition about health, heart rate variability, and skin conductance. The primary outcomes will be measured at week 12 compared to baseline. The study is sponsored by National Taiwan University Hospital and includes adults aged 20 to 70 years with confirmed SSD.

Developing an Integrated Psychotherapy With Cognitive-behavioral Therapy and Biofeedback Therapy for Somatic Symptom Disorder