The association or otherwise of the functional somatic syndromes

Psychosom Med. 2007 Dec;69(9):855-9. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0b013e31815b001a.

Abstract

Objective: To review the evidence for overlap in the phenomenology of the Functional Somatic Syndromes (FSS). The FSS show considerable comorbidity, leading some to suggest they may be aspects of the same disorder.

Methods: We conducted a selective review of peer-reviewed articles on the co-occurrence of FSS symptoms and diagnoses.

Results: Considerable evidence of overlap was found at the level of symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and clinical diagnoses made.

Conclusions: Phenomenological commonalities support a close relationship between the FSS, although differences remain in other domains. Whether the FSS may best be considered the same or different will depend on the pragmatics of diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnosis
  • Abdominal Pain / psychology
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / psychology
  • Fibromyalgia / diagnosis
  • Fibromyalgia / psychology
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / psychology
  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / diagnosis
  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / psychology
  • Personality Assessment
  • Primary Health Care
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology
  • Sick Role
  • Somatoform Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Somatoform Disorders / psychology
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Tension-Type Headache / diagnosis
  • Tension-Type Headache / psychology