Persistent presentation of medically unexplained symptoms in general practice.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of persistent presentation of medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) in general practice. To assess socio-demographic characteristics, health status and use of health services of patients who frequently present MUPS, compared with reference groups.

DESIGN

One-year, nationwide, representative survey of morbidity in general practice in The Netherlands, including 400,000 enlisted patients in 104 general practices.

RESULTS

Of all patients (age: 18 years and older), 2.45% who visited their GP at least once a year, presented at least 4 times in 1 year with symptoms which are commonly considered medically unexplained without getting a medical diagnosis during that period, that might explain the symptoms. These patients are significantly older, more often female, less educated, more frequently unemployed and more frequently from a non-Western origin than 'average' patients or patients with a medical diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Although 25-50% of all reasons for visit to a GP concern symptoms that are not medically explained, the frequent presentation of such symptoms is much more rare. Frequent attendance because of MUPS is most common among elderly women with a lower socio-economic status.