Psychiatric consultation in somatization disorder: A randomized controlled study.

Investigated the effect of psychiatric consultation in patients with somatization disorder performed in conjunction with ongoing management by primary physicians. 38 Ss were randomly assigned to treatment control groups and studied prospectively for 18 mo. Treatment consisted of a psychiatric consultation and suggestions on management given to primary physicians. Quarterly health care charges in the treatment group declined by 53% due largely to decreases in hospitalization. Charges in the control group showed wide variations but no overall change. Quarterly charges in the control groups were significantly higher than those in the treatment group. After 9 mo, the control group was crossed over to receive treatment, and quarterly charges declined by 49%. Thus, psychiatric consultation with Ss with somatization disorder reduced subsequent health care expenditures without inducing changes in health status or Ss' satisfaction with health care. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)