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Predicting medically unexplained physical symptoms and health care utilization. A symptom-perception approach
A M M Kolk1, G J F P Hanewald, S Schagen
1Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Roetersstraat 15, 1018 WB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. kp_kolk@macmail.psy.uva.nl
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|January 22, 2002
Summary
Understanding unexplained physical symptoms requires considering how they are detected. Different detection methods, like self-reporting versus registered symptoms, significantly impact how demographic and symptom-perception variables relate to health care use.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- General Practice
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Unexplained physical symptoms are common and lead to significant healthcare utilization.
- Demographic factors and symptom perception influence the experience and reporting of these symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how demographic characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status) and symptom-perception variables contribute to unexplained physical symptoms and healthcare use.
- To examine the impact of different symptom-detection methods on these relationships.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 101 individuals completed standardized interviews and questionnaires.
- General practitioners (GPs) provided ratings on unexplained symptoms and consultations over the past year.
Main Results:
- Path analyses revealed that the influence of demographic and symptom-perception variables on symptoms and GP consultations varies by detection method.
- Self-reported symptoms highlighted the roles of chronic disease, negative affectivity, selective attention, and somatic attribution.
- Registered symptoms showed effects primarily from chronic disease and socioeconomic status.
Conclusions:
- A symptom-perception approach is valuable for understanding unexplained symptoms.
- The choice of symptom-detection method critically influences study outcomes.
- Distinct models are needed to explain experienced symptoms versus healthcare presentation.