Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Abstract

The term "medically unexplained symptoms" (MUS) refers to the manifestation of multiple somatic complaints not explained satisfactorily by organic changes, where the origin of the symptoms is not psychoactive drug use or simulation. Even though the beginnings of the investigations of this topic are dated back to the mid-18th century, still no adequate conceptual consensus has been reached. In the treatment of MUS we face the challenges of the need for multidisciplinarity and the issue of not putting enough emphasis in the medical training on the evaluation of the possible psychological background of somatic symptoms and on the teaching of communication skills. This study outlines the main characteristics of MUS, the related epidemiological results and - together with the effect of MUS on the healthcare system and economy - highlights the attitudes of patients and medical doctors. We make practical and theoretical points, which may contribute to the efficient treatment of MUS.