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Predictors of persistent medically unexplained physical symptoms: findings from a general population study

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 07:32
Version 1 2023-06-09, 16:06
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 07:32 authored by Jonna F van Eck van der Sluijs, Margreet ten Have, Ron de Graaf, Cees A Th Rijnders, Harm van MarwijkHarm van Marwijk, Christina M van der Feltz-Cornelis
Objective: To explore the course persistency of Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) and its prognostics factors in the general adult population. Knowledge of prognostic factors of MUS may indicate possible avenues for intervention development. Methods: Data were derived from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2 (NEMESIS-2), a nationally representative face-to-face cohort study among the Dutch general population aged 18-64 years. We selected subjects with MUS at baseline and who participated at follow-up (N=324) and reassessed those subjects for having MUS at three year follow-up. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for persistency of MUS. Results: 36.4% of the subjects had persistent MUS at follow-up. In logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex and age, persistency of MUS was predicted by the number of comorbid chronic medical disorder(s), lower education, female sex, not having a paid job, parental psychopathology as well as lower functioning. In the logistic regression analysis in which all significant variables adjusted for sex and age were entered simultaneously, three variables predicted persistent MUS: parental psychopathology, the number of comorbid chronic medical disorder(s) and physical functioning, with odds ratios of 2.01 (1.20-3.38), 1.19 (1.01-1.40) and 0.99 (0.97-1.00), respectively. Conclusion: In the adult general population, MUS were persistent in over one third of the subjects with MUS at baseline. Persistency was uniquely significantly predicted by parental psychopathology, number of comorbid chronic medical disorders and physical functioning. These findings warrant further research into early intervention and treatment options for persons with an increased risk of persistent MUS.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Frontiers in Psychiatry

ISSN

1664-0640

Publisher

Frontiers Media

Issue

613

Volume

9

Page range

1-10

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-11-30

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-11-30

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-11-30

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