Patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Complaints

Document Type : Continuous Medical Education

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Psychosomatic Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are symptoms that are not explained by an organic disease. MUS are common in all medical settings; as many as 50% of patients who visit the general practitioners have some degree of these symptoms. Unexplained symptoms can cause significant distress for the patients and their families, and in some circumstances impair functioning. Continuation of symptoms and resistance to routine treatments may cause significant distress and disrupt the physician-patient relationship.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 29, Issue 161 - Serial Number 161
September and October 2011
Pages 1874-1882

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 November 2010
  • Revise Date: 27 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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