PRESSS: A New Patient-Centered Name for an Old Problem.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Primary Care Medicine
• Medical Communication

Background:

• Somatoform disorders are often described using complex medical jargon.
• Existing terminology can be stigmatizing and not patient-centered.
• Effective communication is crucial for managing these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new, patient-centered term for somatoform disorders.
• To enhance physician-patient communication regarding physical symptoms with emotional origins.
• To reduce stigma associated with somatoform disorders.

Main Methods:

• A seasoned clinician's perspective and practical examples are used.
• The proposed term is analyzed for its simplicity, ambiguity, and directness.
• The importance of patient-centered communication is emphasized.

Main Results:

• The acronym PRESSS (Physical Reaction to Emotional Stress of Some Sort) is introduced.
• PRESSS is presented as a non-stigmatizing, patient-focused alternative.
• This approach can foster a shared therapeutic presence.

Conclusions:

• Adopting PRESSS can improve how physicians explain somatoform disorders.
• Patient-centered language like PRESSS facilitates better therapeutic relationships.
• This strategy supports patients experiencing persistent, bothersome physical symptoms.