RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07646509

An Ecological Momentary Intervention for the Reduction of Impairment in Somatic Symptom Disorder

Sponsor

University of Vienna

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jun 26, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Somatic Symptom Disorder (DSM-5)Persistent Physical Symptoms Medically Unexplained Symptoms Psychological Factors Impairment

Summary

Persistent somatic symptoms significantly impair the daily lives of individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). Negative psychological factors (NPFs), such as catastrophizing and negative affectivity, further compound this impairment. Yet, few studies have examined strategies in daily life that directly target somatic symptoms and their dynamic relationship with NPFs. The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate if an Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) using music listening and cognitive reappraisal can reduce the intensity of and impairment due to somatic symptoms in 40 individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), aged 18-65 years. Participants will report symptom intensity, impairment, and NPFs up to four times daily via a smartphone app over a six-week period. Using an intraindividual randomized controlled design, during weeks two to five, participants will be randomly assigned in the ratio of 50:25:25 to no intervention, music listening, and cognitive reappraisal, both at fixed times (evening measurement) and during episodes of acute somatic impairment.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called Cognitive reappraisal, a behavioral approach called Music listening, and others for people with impairment, medically unexplained symptoms, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALMusic listening

Participants listen to self-selected happy music based on Feneberg et al. (2021). The duration is 10 minutes.

BEHAVIORALCognitive reappraisal

Participants will be asked to write down their thoughts regarding their somatic complaints. They will be asked to consider the complaints from a more positive perspective. Subsequently, participants reread their written complaints. To develop another point of view, participants will be encouraged to apply more helpful thoughts to their somatic symptoms, such as "I feel really bad right now, but I'm certain I do not have a serious illness." (Kleinstäuber et al., 2019) The intervention lasts between 5 - 10 minutes.

BEHAVIORALNo intervention

Participants continue with their previous task, but without music listening