Cognitieve gedragstherapie bij persisterende SOLK op latere leeftijd

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) frequently occur in later life and are associated with significant suffering. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the few available evidence-based treatment methods for MUS. However, its effectiveness is based entirely on treatment studies in younger adults. By summarizing scientific literature and sharing practical experiences, we argue in this article that CBT is also applicable in later life, with the following considerations: (1) ensure adequate treatment of somatic co-morbidity, parallel to psychological treatment; (2) pay special attention to non-accepting and hypochondriacal cognitions, as well as cognitions related to helplessness, since these often occur in late-life MUS; (3) interactional problems more frequently occur in older patients with MUS compared to younger patients; therefore, it is recommended to involve family and multidisciplinary caregivers in the treatment; (4) the aim of treatment is improvement of quality of life, not a decrease of symptoms. After all, living without symptoms is often not an option in later life.