reviewThe LancetJun 1, 2024HYBRID OA

Persistent physical symptoms: definition, genesis, and management

Universität Hamburg · University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf · +4 more institutions

PubMed
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Abstract

Persistent physical symptoms (synonymous with persistent somatic symptoms) is an umbrella term for distressing somatic complaints that last several months or more, regardless of their cause. These symptoms are associated with substantial disability and represent a major burden for patients, health-care professionals, and society. Persistent physical symptoms can follow infections, injuries, medical diseases, stressful life events, or arise de novo. As symptoms persist, their link to clearly identifiable pathophysiology often weakens, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Multiple biological and psychosocial risk factors and mechanisms contribute to the persistence of somatic symptoms, including…

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