ABSTRACT
Persistent Physical Symptoms are exactly that – physical symptoms, which may or may not have an organic cause, which are chronic and distressing. Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are physical symptoms which are not accounted for by organic disease. In practice we try to use the term PPS, as it is more acceptable to patients and avoids placing medical explanation or intervention at the heart of the experience, although we will also use MUS when this term is used in research or guidelines to which we refer.
This chapter explores further:
The current evidence and guidelines for the care of people with persistent physical symptoms.
Identification of persistent physical symptoms.
Aetiology; biological, psychological and social factors.
Suggestions for primary care clinicians; treatment and management and reflection points for learning.
