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

William Ventres1

  • 1From the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR (WV). wventres@uams.edu.

Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM
|September 18, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Physicians can use the term Physical Reaction to Emotional Stress of Some Sort (PRESSS) to explain somatoform disorders to patients. This patient-centered approach aids communication and reduces stigma associated with physical symptoms.

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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.
Keywords:
Behavioral MedicineCounselingDiagnosisFamily MedicineFamily PracticeMedically Unexplained SymptomsMental HealthPatient-Centered CarePhysician-Patient RelationsPrimary Health CarePsychiatrySomatoform Disorders

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  • 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.