ABSTRACT

CBT for Long-Term Conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms describes how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be used to treat anxiety and depression with a co-morbid long-term physical health condition (LTC) or medically unexplained symptoms (MUS).

The book teaches cognitive behavioural therapists and other clinicians to help patients deal with the psychological aspects of physical symptoms, whatever their cause. It is divided into three parts, beginning with core skills for working with people with LTC and MUS. This includes assessment, formulation and goal setting. Part II focuses on CBT for LTC and includes chapters on low intensity interventions, working with depression and anxiety using protocols, and a consideration of an identity and strengths-based approach to working with LTC. The final part provides details of a formulation driven approach to working with MUS, broken down into individual chapters on working with behaviours, cognitions and emotions.

With numerous case examples, the book provides accessible and practical guidance for mental health professionals, particularly CBT practitioners, working with anyone with long-term conditions or MUS.

chapter |2 pages

Introduction

part I|39 pages

Core skills to treat long-term medical conditions, and medically unexplained symptoms

chapter Chapter 2|17 pages

Assessment and formulation

part II|75 pages

Treatment approaches

chapter Chapter 4|14 pages

Low-intensity work with health conditions

chapter Chapter 8|12 pages

A different angle

Helping patients maintaining identities through life story work, social interaction and strengths-based CBT

part III|67 pages

A formulation approach to medically unexplained symptoms

chapter Chapter 9|8 pages

Making sense of MUS, through a formulation approach

chapter Chapter 10|8 pages

CBT from the inside out

A lived experience account

chapter Chapter 12|15 pages

Skills in working with cognition

chapter Chapter 13|11 pages

Aiding patients with emotional expression and regulation