Articles for Doctors

Welcome to our articles specifically intended for doctors interested in mental. This free resource will grow over time to include a range of mental health topics that we hope will be of interest and useful to doctors, wherever they might be.

A Practical Framework for Managing Somatic Symptom Disorder in the 15-Minute Consult
John Forbes John Forbes

A Practical Framework for Managing Somatic Symptom Disorder in the 15-Minute Consult

This article presents a practical framework for medical practitioners to effectively manage Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) within the constraints of a typical 15-minute consultation. Recognising the challenges of shifting from investigation to management, it introduces the "4 E's" model as a time-efficient, structured approach. The framework guides clinicians first to Empathise by validating the patient's physical experience to build rapport, then to Educate by reframing the condition through a simple explanation of the mind-body connection. The third step, Empower, focuses on collaborative, function-based goal-setting, often aided by brief screening tools. Finally, Enact outlines the initiation of brief interventions, such as lifestyle advice or basic CBT principles, and establishes clear pathways for follow-up and referral. This model aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance the therapeutic alliance, and reduce practitioner frustration when faced with complex somatic presentations.

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