Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)01:27

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Dissociative Identity Disorder01:30

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder01:30

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Notes on Two Cases of Alastrim.

The Indian medical gazette·2017
Same author

A Case of Abdominal Injury by an Arrow.

The Indian medical gazette·2017
Same author

A Case of Lymphatic Leukæmia.

The Indian medical gazette·2017
Same author

Bringing mental health into the mainstream.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India·2002
Same author

Immunological studies on pulmonary tuberculosis: a preliminary report.

Indian journal of medical sciences·1989
Same author

Survey of mentally retarded persons.

Indian pediatrics·1985

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
05:12

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome

Published on: September 19, 2019

Unexplained somatic symptoms--diagnostic window for mental disorders.

J M Ghosh1

  • 1DTM&H, Liverpool.

Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|October 25, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Many patients with unexplained somatic symptoms (USSs) have underlying anxiety and depression. Early diagnosis and treatment of these mental health conditions, often presenting as physical complaints, improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Psychiatry
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Prevalence of anxiety disorders and depression is high in primary and specialist care settings.
  • Patients often present with unexplained somatic symptoms (USSs) that lack organic basis, masking underlying mental health conditions.
  • Poor diagnosis rates for mental health issues are linked to patients not reporting psychological complaints and clinicians overlooking USSs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an algorithm for the early and accurate diagnosis of mental health disorders in specialist clinic settings.
  • To investigate the correlation between common USSs and underlying anxiety and depression.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of antidepressant treatment for patients with USSs.

Main Methods:

  • A three-year study involving 1297 patients across four cohorts, including a group treated with antidepressants.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
05:12

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome

Published on: September 19, 2019

  • Detailed history taking, physical examinations, and investigations were used to identify systemic diseases and symptom-correlates of USSs.
  • Patients were screened for neurotic diseases (ICD-10) and their responses to antidepressant treatment were recorded.
  • Main Results:

    • Common USSs like "gas", "acidity", and "dysentery" were found to be correlates of anxiety and depression in 73-85% of patients screened.
    • Psychiatric comorbidity was identified in various percentages across different cohorts when USSs were properly evaluated.
    • Antidepressant treatment showed satisfactory to good results in 84.4% to 90% of patients with USSs, indicating their effectiveness.

    Conclusions:

    • Unexplained somatic symptoms frequently represent underlying anxiety disorders and depression.
    • Clinicians should consider USSs as potential indicators of comorbid mental health conditions.
    • Implementing an algorithm for diagnosing and managing USSs can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.