Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Abstract

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUSs) are the presenting features in up to a quarter of primary care consultations and up to a half of patients seen in secondary care. They are common throughout the world in all ages and can cause disability as severe as those which originate from organic pathology. The diversity of the presenting symptoms and the associated diagnostic uncertainty make them difficult to manage. Doctors can feel incompetent in their diagnostic and communication techniques and the patient can feel that he/she is not being taken seriously. This article aims to help with understanding MUSs and suggests some strategies for their management.