Pharmacotherapy of somatoform disorders.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This paper reviews the published literature on the pharmacologic management of somatoform disorders.

METHODS:

Using Medline, the author identified all articles published between 1970 and 2003 on this topic, selecting the best-designed studies for inclusion.

RESULTS:

The review reveals that patients with the obsessional cluster of somatoform disorders (hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder [BDD]) respond well to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). Less is known about the pharmacologic responsiveness of patients with the primarily somatic cluster of somatoform disorders (somatization, pain), a patient group that is common in the health provider's office.

CONCLUSIONS:

Improvements in the design of future clinical trials are needed. A particular focus needs to be applied to study the neglected area of the pharmacologic treatment of syndromal and subsyndromal somatization and pain disorders.

• Authors: Brian A Fallon
• Journal: Journal of psychosomatic research (J Psychosom Res) Vol. 56 Issue 4 Pg. 455-60 (Apr 2004) ISSN: 0022-3999 [Print] England
• PMID: 15094032 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)
• Copyright: Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.

Chemical References

• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors

Topics

• Humans
• Pain (drug therapy)
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Somatoform Disorders (drug therapy)