Cognitive behavioural therapy for somatoform pain disorder in adolescents: a case study

Abstract

This case study reveals the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention based on a functional model of interruption of pain and a hypothetical model of functional somatic syndromes in a case of adolescent somatoform pain disorder. Yu was a junior high school student in Japan who was diagnosed with somatoform pain disorder. He was initially opposed to the diagnosis of such a disorder, but the therapist and client worked together towards a realization that CBT was useful through exercise without forcing ‘psychosocial’ explanations on him. The CBT intervention mainly included four types of techniques: self-monitoring, behavioural experimentation, behavioural activation, and distraction. These interventions enabled Yu to reduce his avoidance of activities.

Keywords:

• adolescent
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• pain disorder
• somatic symptoms