Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are common, with a spectrum of severity, and patients are found everywhere within the healthcare system. It has been estimated that MUS account for up to 45% of all GP consultations, while a study based in secondary care indicated that about 50% of patients had no clear diagnosis at 3 months. What Is MUS? Bodily symptoms are common in community samples, but not all people consult for medical advice about such symptoms.
MUS refer to persistent bodily complaints for which adequate examination (including investigation) does not reveal sufficiently explanatory structural or other specified pathology. What’s The Patient’s Side Of The Story? Patients often experience stress, distress, and anxiety because of their unexplained symptoms. They report feeling that their concerns are not taken seriously by their doctor , which can exacerbate the presentation of…
