Persistent somatic symptoms (i.e., chronic pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbance, neurologic symptoms) that are associated with emotional distress are highly prevalent and present a significant public health problem. "Somatic symptom disorders," "functional disorders," "fibromyalgia," "irritable bowel syndrome," "somatoform disorders," or "medically unexplained symptoms" - are just some of the many terms patients hear in the medical offices regarding their symptoms.
Our 3rd Columbia Psychosomatics Conference will focus on the mechanisms of change and techniques in psychotherapies that are helpful for some of the most challenging to treat patients with somatic presentations - those with history of interpersonal adversity during early years of development. Continuing our commitment to translational approach, we bridge neuroscience and clinical practice, and engage clinicians and researchers in a multidisciplinary dialog.
From talks on basic neuroscience and infant-caregiver interaction research to lectures on specific psychotherapy approaches particularly helpful for somatic symptom presentations, our international group of leading researchers and clinicians will engage audience in conceptual explorations of this topic and discussions of specific clinical techniques. In addition, workshops on several psychotherapeutic approaches to treating somatic distress post early adversity will help both clinicians and researchers experience up close what transpires in psychotherapy sessions with somatic symptom patients which can inform clinical practice as well as research.
For complete program and more information please visit: http://www.columbia.edu/~al2898/columbia_psychosomatics/conference-2017/index.html
