Multimodal Rehabilitation: A Mind-Body, Family-Based Intervention for Children and Adolescents Impaired by Medically Unexplained Symptoms. Part 1: The Program

Abstract

We describe a mind-body, family-based, multimodal rehabilitation program for children physically impaired by medically unexplained symptoms. In collaboration with the family, a multidisciplinary team identifies what is typically a diverse range of interconnected problems, and implements targeted interventions whose aim is to improve the child's physical, psychological, and social functioning and the psychological, emotional, and relational well-being of the family as a whole. The program is run in an inpatient hospital context and involves multiple modules—physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and an educational component—delivered concurrently. A companion article will present case studies and outcome data.