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Somatoform disorders in neurological practice
J Lindsay Allet1, Rachel E Allet
1Consultation-Liaison Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Perth Hospital, WA, Australia. jean.allet@health.wa.gov.au
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|May 25, 2006
Summary
Medically unexplained symptoms, often psychogenic disorders, are common in neurology. Recent research clarifies their epidemiology and psychopathology, but evidence-based treatments for somatoform disorders are still needed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are prevalent in general medicine, frequently presenting as neurological disorders.
- Patients with psychogenic disorders often first consult neurologists, posing diagnostic and management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, etiology, and treatment of psychogenic disorders presenting to neurologists.
- To offer insights into somatoform disorders within neurological practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on somatoform disorders in neurological populations.
- Synthesis of findings on epidemiology, psychological factors, and treatment.
Main Results:
- Somatoform disorders are more common in neurological practice than previously recognized.
- Recent research enhances understanding of psychopathology and neuroimaging in these patients.
- Treatment studies are limited by small sample sizes and study designs.
Conclusions:
- Somatoform disorders are a significant issue in neurological populations.
- Further research is needed on comorbidity with organic neurological conditions.
- Evidence-based clinical management strategies for these patients are currently lacking.