scholarly journals The Role of COOP/WONCA Charts in Predicting Psychological Distress in Patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms and Doctor-shopping Behavior

2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiko Yamada ◽  
Kenji Ishii ◽  
Yasutomo Oda ◽  
Sei Emura ◽  
Shunzo Koizumi
2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel M. Town ◽  
Victoria Lomax ◽  
Allan A. Abbass ◽  
Gillian Hardy

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikas Menon ◽  
Balasubramanian Shanmuganathan ◽  
Jaiganesh Selvapandian Thamizh ◽  
Anand Babu Arun ◽  
Pooja Patnaik Kuppili ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-273
Author(s):  
F. Jabbar ◽  
A. Doherty ◽  
R. Duffy ◽  
M. Aziz ◽  
P. Casey ◽  
...  

ObjectivesMental disorder is common among individuals with neurological illness. We aimed to characterise the patient population referred for psychiatry assessment at a tertiary neurology service in terms of neurological and psychiatric diagnoses and interventions provided.MethodsWe studied all individuals referred for psychiatry assessment at a tertiary neurology service over a 2-year period (n= 82).ResultsThe most common neurological diagnoses among those referred were epilepsy (16%), Parkinson’s disease (15%) and multiple sclerosis (8%). The most common reasons for psychiatric assessment were low mood or anxiety (48%) and medically unexplained symptoms or apparent functional or psychogenic disease (21%). The most common diagnoses among those with mental disorder were mood disorders (62%), and neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders, including dissociative (conversion) disorders (28%). Psychiatric diagnosis was not related to gender, neurological diagnosis or psychiatric history.ConclusionIndividuals with neurological illness demonstrate significant symptoms of a range of mental disorders. There is a need for further research into the characteristics and distribution of mental disorder in individuals with neurological illness, and for the enhancement of integrated psychiatric and neurological services to address the comorbidities demonstrated in this population.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwen Adshead ◽  
Elspeth Guthrie

SummaryIn this article, we explore the role of attachment in the development of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and response to physical illness. We review the evidence that attachment insecurity is common in people with different forms of MUS and certain long-term physical conditions. We discuss a possible developmental model for understanding how MUS develop. We conclude with discussion of potential therapies and implications for services.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. C. Hanssen ◽  
T. J. W. van Driel ◽  
P. H. Hilderink ◽  
C. E. M. Benraad ◽  
P. Naarding ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. Empirical studies on the clinical characteristics of older persons with medically unexplained symptoms are limited to uncontrolled pilot studies. Therefore, we aim to examine the psychiatric characteristics of older patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) compared to older patients with medically explained symptoms (MES), also across healthcare settings. Methods. A case–control study including 118 older patients with MUS and 154 older patients with MES. To include patients with various developmental and severity stages, patients with MUS were recruited in the community (n = 12), primary care (n = 77), and specialized healthcare (n = 29). Psychopathology was assessed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and by dimensional measures (e.g., psychological distress, hypochondriasis, and depressive symptoms). Results. A total of 69/118 (58.5%) patients with MUS met the criteria for a somatoform disorder according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, with the highest proportion among patients recruited in specialized healthcare settings (p = 0.008). Patients with MUS had a higher level of psychological distress and hypochondriasis compared to patients with MES. Although psychiatric disorders (beyond somatoform disorders) were more frequently found among patients with MUS compared to patients with MES (42.4 vs. 24.8%, p = 0.008), this difference disappeared when adjusted for age, sex, and level of education (odds ratio = 1.7 [95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.0], p = 0.070). Conclusions. Although psychological distress is significantly higher among older patients with MUS compared to those with MES, psychiatric comorbidity rates hardly differ between both patient groups. Therefore, treatment of MUS in later life should primarily focus on reducing psychological distress, irrespective of the healthcare setting patients are treated in.


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