Exploring Metacognitive Therapy for Patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Sense of Coherence and Empowerment at Patients With Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms in General Practice

NA · University of Oslo · NCT05121922

This study is testing whether Metacognitive therapy can help people in Norway with unexplained physical symptoms feel more in control and better manage their health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oslo (other)
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT05121922 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility of implementing Metacognitive therapy in general practice settings in Norway for patients experiencing Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS). General Practitioners trained in this therapy will recruit patients to participate in treatment sessions, during which both patients and physicians will complete questionnaires to assess the perceived utility of the therapy. The focus is on enhancing patients' sense of coherence and empowerment in managing their symptoms. The study aims to determine whether this therapeutic approach can be integrated into routine general practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing disabling Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms for more than three months.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to respond to written questionnaires in Norwegian will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide patients with effective strategies to manage their unexplained physical symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While Metacognitive therapy is a relatively novel approach in this context, similar studies have shown promising results in addressing psychological aspects of unexplained symptoms.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* MUPS: Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms
* somatic and mental examination sufficiently accomplished
* ongoing symptoms
* more than three months of disabeling symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

* not capable to respond on a written questionnaire in Norwegian

Where this trial is running

Oslo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Medically Unexplained Symptoms, Sense of Coherence

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.