Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Symptom attribution and stress level in patients with medically unexplained symptoms in a Mexican emergency
José Manuel Ramírez Aranda1, Marco Sebastián González Sanchez2, Marco Antonio Hernández Guedea3
1Family Medicine Department, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose Eleuterio González", Monterrey, México.
Background:
Patients who come to the emergency department are different from those seen in outpatient clinics. The former suffer greater stress.
Aim:
Establish an association between the attribution of the symptoms (psychosocial or organic) by the patient and the level of perceived stress in patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUS) in an emergency department.
Methods:
A correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in 138 patients with MUS in the emergency department of a 3rd level public hospital where the psychosocial or organic attribution of nonspecific symptom(s) by patients and the perceived stress were measured with validated scales. Bivariate analysis was performed with Chi square for categorical variables, and a Spearman correlation, p <0.05.
Results:
75% of patients with psychosocial attribution have higher stress compared to patients with organic symptom attribution (25%). In Spearman's correlation, a medium but statistically significant correlation was obtained.
Conclusions:
The psychosocial attribution of the patient's complaint might coexist in MUS patients with higher level of perceived stress by the patients. Health professionals might need to address both psychosocial attributions and stress in MUS patients.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Psychological Responses to Stress
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes

