Functional somatic syndromes: one or many?

Journal article

We review the concept and importance of functional somatic symptoms and syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. On the basis of a literature review, we conclude that a substantial overlap exists between the individual syndromes and that the similarities between them outweigh the differences. Similarities are apparent in case definition, reported symptoms, and in non-symptom association such as patients' sex, outlook, and response to treatment. We conclude that the existing definitions of these syndromes in terms of specific symptoms is of limited value; instead we believe a dimensional classification is likely to be more productive.

Authors: Wessely, S; Nimnuan, C; Sharpe, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Lancet
• Volume: 354
• Issue: 9182
• Pages: 936-939
• Publication date: 1999-09-01
• DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(98)08320-2
• EISSN: 1474-547X
• ISSN: 0140-6736
• Language: English
• Keywords: Somatoform Disorders; Sick Role; Colonic Diseases, Functional; Humans; Prognosis; Patient Care Team; Combined Modality Therapy; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic