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Evaluating Commonalities Across Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Guo

    (Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia)

  • Maria Kleinstäuber

    (Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand)

  • Malcolm Henry Johnson

    (Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Frederick Sundram

    (Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

Abstract

This commentary presents commonalities in medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) across multiple organ systems, including symptoms, aetiological mechanisms, comorbidity with mental health disorders, symptom burden and impact on quality of life. Further, treatment outcomes and barriers in the clinician–patient relationship, and cross-cultural experiences are highlighted. This discussion is necessary in aiding an improved understanding and management of MUS due to the interconnectedness underlying MUS presentations across the spectrum of medical specialties.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Guo & Maria Kleinstäuber & Malcolm Henry Johnson & Frederick Sundram, 2019. "Evaluating Commonalities Across Medically Unexplained Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-7, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:5:p:818-:d:211489
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Biderman, Aya & Yeheskel, Ayala & Herman, Joseph, 2003. "Somatic fixation: the harm of healing," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(5), pages 1135-1138, March.
    2. Ring, Adele & Dowrick, Christopher F. & Humphris, Gerry M. & Davies, John & Salmon, Peter, 2005. "The somatising effect of clinical consultation: What patients and doctors say and do not say when patients present medically unexplained physical symptoms," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(7), pages 1505-1515, October.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Julian Wangler & Michael Jansky, 2024. "Somatoform Disorders in Primary Care—An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study on Experiences, Challenges and Coping Strategies of General Practitioners in the Federal Republic of Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Michiel Tack, 2019. "Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS): Faults and Implications," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-3, April.

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