Evidence Based Practices for Health Anxiety and Somatic Symptom Disorders
youtu.be
The content segments discuss various approaches and strategies for addressing health anxiety and somatic symptoms. Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes shares her knowledge and experience, highlighting the importance of not dismissing individuals' experiences and working towards improving their quality of life.
Dr. Snipes emphasizes that somatic symptom disorders are defined as physical symptoms causing distress, regardless of whether there is a physiological cause. She mentions conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, which were previously dismissed but now have evidence of physiological markers. She also discusses the importance of gathering physical data before addressing cognitive aspects in treatment.
Cognitive interventions, such as EMDR and improving health literacy, are mentioned as helpful approaches. Dr. Snipes emphasizes the importance of looking at facts, identifying triggers, and addressing cognitive distortions. She also suggests techniques like worry checking and environmental interventions to manage health anxiety.
Skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), including backward chaining, radical acceptance, and distress tolerance, are discussed as helpful for individuals with somatic symptoms. Dr. Snipes emphasizes that these skills are not meant to invalidate experiences but to improve quality of life.
The importance of recognizing clickbait, setting healthy boundaries, and communicating with significant others is highlighted. Dr. Snipes emphasizes the need for empathy and validation, as well as the benefits of having a diagnosis for access to clinical trials and accommodations.
Overall, the content emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing somatic symptoms and health anxiety, while recognizing and validating individuals' experiences. It provides various strategies and interventions to improve quality of life and manage symptoms.
The content segments discuss various approaches and strategies for addressing health anxiety and som