Opinion paper: the role of work in the management of medically unexplained physical symptoms

Tobback, Els; Mariman, An; Clauwaert, Lies; Godderis, Lode; Heytens, Stefan; Ruppol, Patrick; Spooren, Daniël; Tytgat, Rita; Muynck, Martine De; Vogelaers, Dirk

doi:10.1080/17843286.2018.1462754

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Complex interplay between body and mind occurs during the transition from acute to persistent somatic symptoms (Henningsen et al., 2018 ). A global management of patients with MUS is thus needed, including family, friends, colleagues, and caregivers to avoid the negative development that is often seen in affected individuals (Tobback et al., 2019 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medically unexplained symptoms are common in women in tertiary neurological healthcare center: A survey cohort study of persons investigated for suspected multiple sclerosis

Novakova,

Hedström,

Axelsson

et al. 2024

Brain and Behavior

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BackgroundA significant proportion of individuals with suspicious onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria. Although some receive other diagnoses, many remain undiagnosed and lack healthcare follow‐up. This study aimed to characterize persons with undetermined diagnosis (PwUD) through a questionnaire.MethodsIncident cases with suspected MS were consecutively admitted to a tertiary neurological healthcare center in a prospective cohort study. Those who remained undiagnosed after 40 months (mean, range 31–52) were considered PwUD. They completed a modified questionnaire, previously used in a population‐based case‐control study of incident MS cases. Their responses were compared with two control cohorts, persons with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls, randomly selected from national registries, matched by age, gender, and area of residence.ResultsOut of 271 patients with suspected MS onset, 72 (20.3%) were PwUD with a female majority (79%). The response rate was 83% and 39% reported persisting MS‐like symptoms. Compared to controls (n = 548) and PwMS (n = 277), fewer PwUD were currently smoking (p = .4 and p = .03), consumed less alcohol (p = .04 and p = .01), and had children (p = .02 and p = .002). PwUD reported occurrence of other autoimmune disease in 29%, higher compared to PwMS and controls (p < .001 and p < .001).ConclusionsUD is common among persons investigated for suspected MS, in particular among female parents. Our data suggest that PwUD can be characterized as nonsmokers with low alcohol consumption and a higher prevalence of autoimmune disease, in particular thyroid disease.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medically unexplained symptoms are common in women in tertiary neurological healthcare center: A survey cohort study of persons investigated for suspected multiple sclerosis

Novakova,

Hedström,

Axelsson

et al. 2024

Brain and Behavior

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Opinion paper: the role of work in the management of medically unexplained physical symptoms

Abstract: The professional reintegration process should start as soon as possible within the management of medically unexplained physical symptoms. As such, the care sector, the evaluation sector, and the professional integration sector should collaborate and effectively communicate with each other.

Cited by 1 publication

References 25 publications

Medically unexplained symptoms are common in women in tertiary neurological healthcare center: A survey cohort study of persons investigated for suspected multiple sclerosis

Medically unexplained symptoms are common in women in tertiary neurological healthcare center: A survey cohort study of persons investigated for suspected multiple sclerosis

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