DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/dmj.v15i5.55276

BRIEF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) FOR ADOLESCENT SOMATIC SYMPTOM DISORDER IN PRIMARY CARE : A CASE REPORT

*Dellma Anggini orcid  -  General Practicioner, Borobudur Community Health Center, Indonesia, Indonesia
Mualimin Mualimin orcid scopus  -  Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Indonesia
Open Access Copyright 2026 Dellma Anggini
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Background: Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) in adolescents is frequently associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as bullying. In primary care settings with limited access to specialist resources, structured brief interventions are urgently required. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old male presented with recurrent syncope, dyspnea, and diaphoresis over the past six months. These symptoms were triggered by traumatic memories of physical bullying experienced during elementary school. The patient underwent a Brief CBT intervention consisting of six sessions (30 minutes per session). The protocol included ABC model psychoeducation, the "Worry Time" technique, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation. Clinical progress was monitored through patient-reported outcomes. Significant improvement was observed. Anxiety attacks and somatic symptoms decreased from daily occurrences to once per month. The patient showed enhanced emotional regulation and successfully returned to regular school activities. While these outcomes rely on clinical observation and lack standardized psychometric scales, they indicate a positive recovery trend. Conclusion: This case suggests that Brief CBT could be a promising, effective, and safe modality in primary care for managing trauma-related somatic symptoms in adolescents, highlighting its potential as a scalable intervention in resource-limited settings.

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Keywords: Brief CBT; Somatic Symptom Disorder; Bullying; Adolescent Psychiatry; Primary Care
Funding: None; Self-funded

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Section: Case Report
Language : EN
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