Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0487
ISSN: 2161-0487
Khundadze Mariam
Grigol Robakidze University. Tbilisi, Georgia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother
Somatoform disorders, also referred to as somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) in the DSM-5, are characterized by persistent physical symptoms that lack a clear medical explanation. These conditions are prevalent in children and adolescents, often co-occurring with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and significantly disrupt their social, academic, and familial functioning. This study explored the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, in treating SSRDs in a sample of 100 patients aged 2–18 years from both urban and rural areas of Georgia. Clinical findings included tic hyperkinesis, speech difficulties, mixed behavioral and emotional concerns, sleep disorders, and screen addiction syndrome. Mixed behavioral and emotional disorders and sleep abnormalities were the most common, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and enuresis being uncommon. Diagnosing SSRDs in children and adolescents is complex due to developmental factors and the overlapping nature of physical and psychological symptoms. Accurate diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary team that evaluates the patient’s psychological, physiological, and social factors. In this study, neuropsychological evaluations revealed severe abnormalities in fine motor abilities and impulse control, although auditory and visual gnosis were unaffected. The "Incomplete Sentences" technique revealed important insights into the emotional and cognitive elements of SSRDs, emphasizing the detrimental effects on patients' relationships and self-esteem, which are frequently marked by guilt, fear of abandonment, and unmet emotional needs. The study found that integrated psychotherapeutic approaches were more effective than pharmacological treatments alone. CBT emerged as particularly beneficial in addressing cognitive distortions and maladaptive emotional responses associated with somatic symptoms. Family therapy and gestalt therapy were also instrumental in addressing underlying family dynamics and emotional trauma, leading to significant improvements in speech disorders, tic hyperkinesis, and screen addiction. For example, combining speech therapy with CBT and gestalt therapy resulted in the resolution of stuttering in 67% of cases. Active parental involvement and lifestyle modifications were crucial for sustained improvement, particularly in managing screen addiction and chronic somatoform dysfunction. Screen addiction syndrome, which was linked to excessive internet use and associated emotional dysregulation, emerged as a critical factor in the development of somatic symptoms. Recent studies indicate that screen addiction may be influenced by genetic factors, such as 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphisms and DRD2 mutations, which are also implicated in substance addictions. Neuroimaging studies have revealed structural brain changes in individuals with screen addiction, including reduced cortical thickness and impaired impulse control, further underscoring the need for targeted psychotherapeutic interventions. Despite the significant benefits of psychotherapy, the study acknowledges limitations, particularly in its inability to assess the long-term efficacy of the interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to evaluate the durability of therapeutic gains and investigate whether symptoms recur over time. Additionally, further exploration of the biological underpinnings of SSRDs, such as genetic predispositions and neurophysiological changes, may enhance diagnostic and treatment strategies. This study concludes by highlighting the significance of treating somatoform disorders in children and adolescents through a multimodal, interdisciplinary approach. Together with active family involvement and lifestyle changes, psychotherapeutic interventions not only reduce symptoms but also promote better interpersonal connections and emotional health. The results highlight how important early diagnosis and all-encompassing treatment programs are to reducing the long-term effects of SSRDs on the lives of young patients.
Mariam Khundadze is an Associate Professor at Grigol Robakidze University in Tbilisi, Georgia. She specializes in medical psychology and physiology, teaching courses in these subjects, including "Fundamentals of Bioethics and Medical Law