Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Question 1

what is a medically unexplained symptom

Answer 1

A person experiences physical
symptoms for which no clear organic pathology is found

Question 2

what is the definition of somatisation

Answer 2

A person experiences and communicates psychological distress in the form of physical
symptoms and seeks medical help

Question 3

what is a somatic symptom disorder

Answer 3

A psychiatric disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation with and anxiety about one or more physical symptoms that may or may not be due to an underlying medical condition.

Question 4

what is a persistent physical symptom

Answer 4

a distressing somatic complaint,
regardless of cause, that are present on most days for at
least several months.

Question 5

what are the most common MUS for musculoskeletal symptoms

Answer 5

BACK PAIN
aches & pains

Question 6

what’s the most common cause of a neurological MUS

Answer 6

TATT
tension headaches
insomnia

Question 7

why does somatisation occur

Answer 7

Altered cortisol regulation involving HPA axis and
activation of sympathetic pathways

Question 8

what is a dissociative (conversion) disorder

Answer 8

Physical symptoms as a result of psychiatric pressures. Usually acute (e.g. after a major stress) & often dramatic e.g. fits /amnesia/blindness/paralysis
not conscious symptom isn’t real