Slovenian Journal of Public Health (Sep 2016)

Solving medical mysteries: hidden stresses and unexplained symptoms

  • Clarke David D.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1515/sjph-2016-0029
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 55, no. 3
pp. 152 – 154

Abstract

Read online

Medically unexplained symptoms and chronic functional syndromes are common but few healthcare professionals have had formal training about their connection to psychosocial issues. A systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment based on experience with over 7000 of these patients is described. Outcomes improve with assessment for and treatment of current life stresses, the prolonged impact of adversity in childhood and somatic presentations of depression, post-traumatic stress, and anxiety disorders.

Keywords