Medically unexplained physical symptoms in primary care: A comparison of self-report screening questionnaires and clinical opinion

Author(s): Kilkenny, L., Kinmonth, A. L.

Journal/Book: J Psychosom Res. 1997; 42: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 245-252.

Abstract: This study was undertaken to assess recognition of medically unexplained physical symptoms by general practitioners (GPs), and the feasibility of using a screening procedure based on validated self-report questionnaires. GPs identified unexplained physical symptoms as the main clinical problem for 19% of attending patients. Screening instruments identified 35% of patients as having multiple unexplained physical symptoms, of whom 5% were probable cases of somatization disorder. Nine percent of attending patients reported high levels of health anxiety. Twenty percent were probable cases of mood disorder: in half of these, psychological symptoms were not documented in the casenotes. Patients with more somatic symptoms and higher health anxiety were more likely to be recognized by the GP; higher levels of mood symptoms did not predict recognition. The screening procedure used in this study shows promise and merits further investigation.

Note: Article Peveler R, Royal S Hants Hosp, Univ Dept Psychiat, Brintons Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YG, Hants, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): unexplained physical symptoms; primary medical care; somatoform disorder; health anxiety; screening; SOMATIZATION

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