Management of somatoform disorders:

• Assessment of patients attitude towards his symptoms, previous investigations, referral to psychiatrist and the behaviors consequent to patient's symptoms

• Establishment of a therapeutic alliance with the patient

• Behavior modification: involves self-monitoring, graded exercises, relaxation therapy etc.

Psychological treatments: Individual and family counselling, supportive psychotherapy, motivational counseling, cognitive therapy.

Repeated investigations must be discouraged.

Somatoform disorder is best treated by a single therapist offering regularly scheduled consultations.