This lucidly written guide presents an innovative approach for treating somatization disorder and related problems, such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The authors' program integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with strategies to build emotional self-awareness and interventions to help patients understand and alter their illness behavior. Systematic yet flexible, it is supported by controlled clinical research. The book reviews the conceptual underpinnings of the approach, discusses its ongoing testing and refinement, and offers clear-cut guidelines for assessment and treatment. Special features include illustrative case material, many pointers for practice, and reproducible appendices that provide a 10-session mini-manual and helpful handouts and forms.
Industry Reviews
'Somatization, somatoform disorders, medically unexplained and functional somatic symptoms; whatever we call them, they are among the largest and most neglected problems in medicine. Yet there are very few practical guides to assist practitioners. This lucid and scholarly text not only offers a valuable overview of the topic, but also provides detailed guidance on a management approach of proven efficacy. This book will be helpful to students and experienced practitioners alike.'" - Michael Sharpe, MD, Professor of Psychological Medicine and Symptoms Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, UK"" " 'Woolfolk and Allen bring optimism and rigor to the treatment of a misunderstood group of patients who have mistakenly been regarded as untreatable by many physicians and therapists. Starting with a remarkably clear foundation built on theory and a comprehensive review of the literature, the authors provide a straightforward, step-by-step blueprint for their therapeutic approach. The book is exemplary in its eclectic yet critical integration of diverse perspectives and its jargon-free style. This is a book with equal appeal and value for both experts and beginners. Experienced clinicians will find Woolfolk and Allen's work refreshing, inspiring, and informative. At the same time, the book's clinical utility, accessibility, and clarity also make it an excellent choice for beginning therapists, including graduate students in psychology and social work and psychiatric residents.' "- James L. Levenson, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA " 'In this important volume, two leading scientist-practitioners offer a lucid account of the clinical features and etiology of somatization, and also provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to their new, empirically supported treatment. This scholarly yet highly practical book sets a new standard in the treatment of somatization. It is essential reading for all clinicians and clinical trainees who treat patients with somatization problems, whether in the form of somatization disorder or as a feature of other clinical conditions.' "- Steven Taylor, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Canada " " "
