Article ID: 20-0002
Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by physical symptoms, abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that affect the patient's daily living. In general, pharmacotherapy alone is insufficient; various types of psychotherapy are often required. Herein, we report a case in which supportive psychotherapy was effective for somatic symptom disorder with burning sensation in the feet. A 74-year-old woman with gastric cancer and metastatic liver cancer was admitted to a hospital because of worsening burning sensation in bilateral legs 10 days after chemotherapy. A series of laboratory tests showed no abnormal results. We diagnosed the patient's physical symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria in DSM-V. We delivered supportive psychotherapy, which consisted of reassurance and emotional support from the palliative care team. After she felt accepted, the symptoms ameliorated. Her symptoms were a relatively rare phenotype of somatic symptom disorder, and supportive psychotherapy seemed to be effective. Supportive psychotherapy may be useful in building good relationships with patients and reducing their pain.
