This study investigates the feasibility of a general exposure-based treatment protocol that is intended to work for a large variety of patient groups with a clinically significant preoccupation with physical symptoms. This is a prospective single-group study based at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, where 40 adults with DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder are enrolled in 8 weeks of therapist-guided exposure-based treatment via the Internet. Exposure is based on general principles but tailored to suit the needs of each patient. Outcomes include patient-reported credibility and expectancy, adherence to the treatment protocol, client satisfaction, and negative events. Within-group effects will also be quantified and discussed in relation to the existing literature.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Feasibility 1: Distribution of Physical Symptoms
Timeframe: Pre-treatment assessment (within 2 weeks before treatment)
Feasibility 2: Credibility/Expectancy Based on the Credibility/Expectancy Scale
Timeframe: Week 3 of treatment
Feasibility 3: Adherence to the Protocol #1: Percentage Completed Modules in the Sample as a Whole
Timeframe: Adherence data collected over the entire course of the treatment, up to 8 weeks.
Feasibility 4: Patient-reported Adequacy of Rationale as Assessed Using a Questionnaire Developed Specifically for This Purpose (Theoretical Range: 0-10)
Timeframe: Post-treatment assessment (immediately after treatment, completed within 45 days)
Feasibility 5: Adequacy of the Measurement Strategy
Timeframe: Post-treatment assessment (immediately after treatment, completed within 45 days)
Feasibility 6: Satisfaction With Treatment as Indicated by a Mean Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) Score of at Least 22
Timeframe: Post-treatment assessment (immediately after treatment, completed within 45 days)
Feasibility 7a: Adverse Events Measured Using Free-text Items #1: Total Number of Reported Events
Timeframe: Post-treatment assessment (immediately after treatment, completed within 45 days)
Feasibility 7b: Adverse Events Measured Using the 20-item Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ-20)
Timeframe: Post-treatment assessment (immediately after treatment, completed within 45 days)
Feasibility 3: Adherence to the Protocol #2: Percentage of Participants Completing at Least 2 Exposure Exercises
Timeframe: Adherence data collected over the entire course of the treatment, up to 8 weeks.
Feasibility 7a: Adverse Events Measured Using Free-text Items #2: Number of Participants Who Reported at Least One Adverse Event
Timeframe: Post-treatment assessment (immediately after treatment, completed within 45 days)