General principles of management of somatization

Somatic symptoms are often the most common reasons for a medical consultation, considerably placing huge demands on health and financial resources by mainly being subject to several, often inappropriate and unhelpful, investigations. They may determine distress to patients and their clinicians and family members, representing a challenge for all health professionals including primary care physicians and psychiatrists. Treatment of somatic symptoms and related disorders (SSRDs) comprises a multimodal approach. The most evidence-based and effective treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and, in some cases, pharmacotherapy. In clinical practice, serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants are routinely prescribed in SSRDs. This chapter discusses the fundamental steps to be followed for correct management of SSRDs, by providing an overview of the current updated literature regarding both non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies