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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.
List of contents
Introduction; Part one: core skills to treat long-term medical conditions, and medically unexplained symptoms; 1. Core skills in understanding and helping this patient group; 2. Assessment and formulation; 3. Measuring problems, establishing suitability, and negotiating goals; Part two: Low intensity, protocol, and formulation-based CBT for long-term conditions; 4. Low-intensity work with health conditions; 5. Cognitive therapy for depression in long-term conditions; 6. ACT and third wave approaches to depression in long-term conditions; 7. Skills in working with anxiety disorders in long-term conditions; 8: A different angle: helping patients maintain identity through life-story work, social interaction, and strengths-based CBT; Part three: a formulation approach to medically unexplained symptoms; 9. Making sense of MUS, through a formulation approach; 10. CBT from the inside out: a lived experience account; 11. Ways of assisting patients in changing negative behaviours; 12. Skills in working with cognition; 13. Aiding patients with emotional expression and regulation; 14. Identifying and helping patients who are fearful of recovery; References
Summary
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).
Report
'Philip and Helen have captured the essence of what it means to work with clients with physical health conditions using cognitive behavioural therapy principles. This book is both topical and comprehensive. You will become immersed in a wealth of knowledge with clinical examples, reminders and summaries of the key messages that we must never forget when engaging with this client group. I will certainly be referring to this book for years to come.'
Chinea Eziefula, Clinical psychologist, Service lead for haematology psychology, Whittington Health; Lead, long-term health conditions, Camden iCope.
'Having worked in the area for 20 years, it is encouraging to see a book that truly reflects the work with this patient group. I think it is a perfect introduction and essential reading for developing skills in working with this client group. The book is written in a clear way that skilfully simplifies adaptations to the basic CBT model for working with people who have long term conditions and / or medically unexplained symptoms. It provides some theoretical background but is largely focused on the CBT techniques in practice. I work largely with patients who have medically unexplained symptoms and really appreciate that this book emphasises the importance of an individualised formulation which informs the treatment approach rather than a standardised protocol approach. I'll be recommending the book to colleagues and new starters in our team.'
Marie Acton, Principal Psychotherapist and Senior Clinical Lead, General Liaison and Huntington's Disease Teams, Department of Psychological Medicine, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
