Diagnostic features

• Physical symptoms which persist and remain unexplained following adequate examination, investigations and explanation by the doctor.
• Commonly, frequent medical visits in spite of negative investigations.
• Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common. The likelihood of psychiatric disorder (anxiety or depression) increases with increasing number of unexplained somatic symptoms (ref 236).

Some patients may be primarily concerned with obtaining relief from physical symptoms.  Others may be worried about having a physical illness and be unable to believe that no physical condition is present (hypochondriasis).

References

236 Mayou R, Farmer A. ABC of psychological medicine. Functional somatic symptoms and syndromes. Br Med J 2002, 325: 265-268

Last edited: 26/1/2004

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