The conundrum of medically unexplained symptoms: questions to consider.
BACKGROUND
The classification and etiology of medically unexplained symptoms remain a clinical challenge. Recent proposals to improve systems of classification include ending the tradition of separating symptoms into medical or psychiatric groups.


METHODS
Several research questions are proposed to resolve some of the divergent opinions about the nature of these difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
Unitary models of somatic symptom causation should not be presumed. Examination of the causes and nature of somatic distress in those with and without psychiatric disorders requires separate investigation for each, and these should not be presumed to be similar. Psychophysiological models of somatic symptoms are required that can be studied in research protocols.
McFarlane
Alexander C
AC
Centre for Military and Veterans Health, University of Adelaide, South Australia.
Ellis
Niki
N
Barton
Christopher
C
Browne
Derek
D
Van Hooff
Miranda
M
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology