Protocol Effectiveness of mindfulness-based online therapy or internet-delivered CBT... among patients w/persistent somatic symptoms.. 2025 Vangelova-Korpinen+

[Andy]

Full title: Effectiveness of mindfulness-based online therapy or internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy compared with treatment as usual among patients with persistent somatic symptoms: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background
Persistent somatic symptoms unexplained by a defined medical or psychiatric condition often include a component of central sensitization. Many treatment options are based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Effective widely available therapies are scarce. There are self-management programs and e-therapies that aim at overcoming the central sensitization by modifying interoceptive neural networks in the brain.

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the effect of a mindfulness-based amygdala and insula retraining (AIR) online program and an internet delivered therapist assisted therapy offered by Helsinki University Hospital (HUS iCBTpss) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in the treatment of conditions causing persistent somatic symptoms.

Methods
We will perform a randomized controlled trial aiming at 360 patients. Consenting patients will be randomized to three study arms: online AIR program, HUS iCBTpss (both interventions as add-ons to TAU); and TAU. Functional ability and quality of life surveys will be collected from participants at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after entering the study.

Conclusions
This study is one of the first to explore non-drug based online interventions developed to overcome the brain’s central sensitization and are available and accessible to patients both in primary and secondary care. The results will develop the management of the common, often debilitating persistent somatic symptoms related to many conditions unexplained by a defined somatic or psychiatric illness.

Open access

 

[Andy]

Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) is an umbrella term to describe subjectively distressing somatic complaints, irrespective of their aetiology, that are present on most days for at least several months [1]. Often the term is used to refer to physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to any known physical or psychiatric disorder [2]. These conditions have also long been known as medically unexplained symptoms [3]. Mounting evidence shows that central nervous system and brain-body interaction has a significant role in these conditions, and recently they have been referred to as central sensitization syndromes [4].

...

Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been studied for at least four decades but no specific pathology or biomarker has been identified so far [8, 9]. A novel challenge causing persistent somatic symptoms is also post COVID-19 condition. It is characterized by debilitating symptoms (including breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue) which can last for months after the acute illness [10, 11]. The symptoms of post COVID-19 condition resemble those of other post-viral conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome [12]. So far there is no clear explanation for the full range of symptoms in post COVID-19 condition. Researchers have suggested a broader causal model of interaction of biological, social, experiential, and psychological factors related to the condition [13]. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain often associated with fatigue, sleep disturbances and other cognitive and somatic symptoms. The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia is not completely understood but abnormal central pain processing is considered as the primary pathophysiologic mechanism. Genetic factors, female sex and other painful conditions are main predisposing factors [14]. A novel study has shown association between childhood adverse events and fibromyalgia [15].

 

[Turtle]

Had adverse childhood events not been retracted as an association in FM?
Has someone ever seen information about previous treatment of adverse childhood events?
Or is it scooped up everytime psychologists want to use again and again?

 

[Utsikt]

Is AIR Gupta?