A Randomized Cross-Over Trial Comparing Life Stress Interview Versus Basic Assessment of Psychiatric Symptoms for Patients With Persistent Physical Symptoms

Our finding that the LSI does not yield more symptom reduction in patients with PPS than a comparison diagnostic interview raises questions about the LSI's unique value, although the observed sequence effect suggests that the LSI may enhance symptom improvement when followed by a psychiatric assessment. Moreover, both brief interventions appear to contribute to symptom reduction. A limitation is that prior psychotherapy experience may have reduced the LSI's impact, and emotional processing during interviews was not assessed. Further research should explore how LSI can be integrated with other interventions to meet the diverse needs of patients with PPS.