A Case of an Elderly Patient with Somatic Symptom Disorder who Made Progress as an Inpatient with Morita Therapy

Abstract

Somatic symptom disorder among the elderly is described as refractory, although the data is scarce compared to adult cases. Case reports on somatic symptom disorder or somatoform disorder of the elderly mostly present cases that can be treated as outpatients. This study reports the case of an elderly patient with somatic symptom disorder who was unable to take care of herself due to somatic symptoms and who showed notable progress with Morita Therapy as an inpatient. The factors used to identify progress were the following : 1) the patient was first referred to several clinical departments to examine her physical symptoms and she understood her condition ; 2) the patient had a sound physical condition sufficient to engage in occupational therapy while having symptoms ; and 3) the patient was able to modify her “all-or-nothing” thinking and engage in activities appropriate for her physical strength at a later stage of the treatment. In the end, the patient was able to accept her present physical condition and engage in the activities. This is the attitude of “arugamama” which is the treatment goal of Morita Therapy.