The diagnostic challenges presented by patients with medically unexplained symptoms in general practice (original) (raw)

Patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) frequently utilize healthcare services, often resulting in unnecessary evaluations and treatments. General practitioners face significant challenges in diagnosing these patients due to skepticism regarding the seriousness of their conditions and a focus on identifying serious diseases. This paper highlights the complexities surrounding the clinical characteristics of somatizing patients, discusses factors affecting diagnosis, and presents statistical profiles of symptoms and comorbidities to enhance understanding and management within general practice.