[Towards a unified treatment approach for functional somatic syndromes and somatization].
Identical treatment strategies have proven effective in various functional somatic syndromes (FSS) and evidence is increasing that FSS share common aetiological factors, pathophysiological mechanisms and psychological features. Currently, only a minority of patients with FSS receive evidence-based treatment. The main reasons for this are inappropriate organisation of care, physicians' lack of knowledge and a widespread neglect of patients' suffering. We outline a unified stepped care approach for the prevention and management of FSS in which treatment strategies are not based on the diagnostic label, but on illness severity and complexity.
Schröder
Andreas
A
Forskningsklinikken for Funktionelle Lidelser og Psykosomatik, Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Sygehus, 8000 Arhus C, Denmark. andreas.schroeder@aarhus.rm.dk
Fink
Per
P
Fjordback
Lone
L
Frostholm
Lisbeth
L
Rosendal
Marianne
M
D019091:Critical Pathways / Q000458:organization & administration; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005194:Family Practice; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome