SYMPOSIA

Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Vol: 21, Supplement: 2, 2011 - www.psikofarmakoloji.org
Abstracts of the Invited Speakers
In cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) of these disorders all the factors maintaining and contributing to the disorder are possible targets
for treatment. The first and possibly most important step is to develop, in cooperation with the patient, an alternative explanation of the
patient’s symptoms other than the presence of an organic cause. During the course of treatment the patient can then collect evidence
that supports the alternative explanation of symptoms.
The techniques that can be employed within the framework of the cognitive-behavioral approach are aimed at addressing the underlying
dysfunctional cognitive processes and behaviors. They may comprise cognitive restructuring, attention-training, behavioral experiments,
exposure, activity planning, and emotional-regulation techniques.
Conventionally, treatment can be conducted in individual and group sessions and usually comprises about 15 one-hour sessions. There is evidence
showing that CBT is effective in decreasing symptom severity and overall distress. However, there are limited number of studies comparing
different treatment modalities such as CBT and pharmacological interventions. Also it is not clear if combining CBT and pharmacological
treatment increases effectiveness. In addition different forms of therapy such as computer-based treatment have been developed.
The cognitive behavioral model has been influencing the current understanding of somatization and CBT has shown effectiveness in
its treatment although further studies are welcomed. Even if a full course of CBT cannot be offered, e.g. in an outpatient setting, and
pharmacological treatment is chosen, it appears promising to integrate at least certain parts of cognitive-behavioral treatment such
as developing an alternative explanation for the patient’s symptoms and exploring the role of processes such as attention, avoidance,
unbalanced activity levels and safety-seeking and reassurance-seeking behaviors.
Key words: Somatization, CBT, somatoform, hypochondriasis, treatment
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology 2011;21(Suppl. 2):S104-5
[KC-04]
Mindfulness and acceptance based therapies
Kültegin Ögel
Acibadem University, Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
E-mail: ogelk@ogelk.net
Mindfulness has reached far beyond the disciplines where it originated and has become an evidence-based psychotherapy method. In
particule, the application of mindfulness based therapies in addition to traditional methods for psychiatric disorders prevents relapses.
Mindfulness is concentrating with the aim of focusing at the moment in a nonjudgmental way. Mindfulness means being conscious of
the current experience and accepting it. In other words, mindfulness is a unique and receptive form of consciousness in which stimulants
are not evaluated, not classified and not analyzed.
Mindfulness and acceptance based therapies deal with the thought itself instead of the content of the thought. It may be said that they
help cognitive restructuring in this way. Mindfulness and acceptance based therapies differ from cognitive behavioral therapies in that
way and are accepted as third wave therapies.
Acceptance should not be confused with submission and giving up. Acceptance directs the person to turn to the current experience
(opening up) instead of running away from the experience (closing up). By this means, the person learns to be with and accept
experiences that are pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. The person develops the skill of being fair to his or her own experiences. Being aware
of what is happenibg causes a willingness to let things that are pleasant or unpleasant happen just as they are.
Mindfulness acceptance therapies involves; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulnnes Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT),
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
The common basic strategies that all these therapies use are:
- Acceptance
- Focusing at the moment
- Cognitive defusion and decentering
- Being nonjudgmental
- Observing
Adaptation of the different viewpoints that are offered by mindfulness and acceptance based therapies by therapists, who have understood
them, is useful. However, understanding of the basic rationale of the therapy by all psychiatrists and psychologists is also useful.
Key words: Mindfulness, acceptance, psychotherapy
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology 2011;21(Suppl. 2):S105
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