Subject terms
GS, somatic syndrome
DISORDER, DISORDERS, MUSCLE RELAXATION, DISORDERS, SYNDROMES, PMR
In this proof-of-concept study, we used a systems perspective to conceptualize and investigate treatment-related dynamics (temporal and cross-sectional associations) of symptoms and elements related to the manifestation of a common functional somatic syndrome (FSS), Globus Sensations (GS). We analyzed data from 100 patients (Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Functional somatic syndromes (FSS), including Globus Sensations (GS), are among the most prevalent disorders in the adult populationGiven the lack of uniformity regarding the etiology of GS, no standard treatment guideline exists. Previous studies provide support that psychotherapy [e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)] may be effective in the treatment of FSS and MUSPreviously, outcome research in psychotherapy has focused mainly on absence versus presence of a disorder or the severity level of a disorder. Disorders are viewed as an underlying entity (i.e., as latent variable) causing symptoms and covariation between symptoms is assumed due to the common cause (e.g., disorder). As such, symptoms are indicators of the latent construct and are summarized into a total score reflecting the absence/presence or severity of the disorder. Although sum score changes may be relevant in demonstrating change (i.e., treatment compared to no treatment leads to therapeutic change), it does not shed light on how an intervention led to change. The current trend towards evidence-based therapy calls for analytical approaches that can provide insight into mechanisms of changeIn the present study, we applied the network approach and conceptualize treatment-related dynamics between elements that have been linked to the manifestation of FSS