Treatment of Neurotic, Stress-Related and Somatoform Disorders in Sanatoria

Abstract

Study Objective: To assess the possibilities of sanatorium-and-spa treatment in patients with neurotic, stress-associated and somatoform disorders taking into account the modern idea of their pathogenesis. Main part. According to various sources, at least 30% of patients who come to outpatient clinics have neurotic and/or somatoform disorders. Given the complex pathogenesis of these conditions, the rate of exacerbations and relapses, such patients should undergo a long-term comprehensive therapy aimed at elimination of etiological and pathogenic factors, together with the development of adequate adaptive reactions, including psychogenic reactions, increased physical and mental performance, and healthy lifestyle habits. The potential to reach the goal increases considerably with the use of sanatorium-and-spa treatment, the main methods of which include climatotherapy, hydrobalneotherapy, reflexotherapy, physical factors, biofeedback techniques, mental therapy, and exercise therapy. Conclusion. The efficiency of the comprehensive treatment of neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders using natural and artificial therapeutic factors is 60%. The knowledge of non-drug treatments of such conditions is essential not only for medical staff in sanatoria and spas, but also for outpatient medical professionals, since they are the primary referring individuals. Keywords: neurotic disorders, sanatorium-and-spa treatment, balneotherapy, physical activity.