[Functional disorders in primare care]

General practitioners frequently encounter patients with functional disorders. The authors discuss the specific aspects of the management of this population in general practice, through the lens of the five functions that define this discipline. A classification of functional disorders and the analysis of prognostic factors are of great value in deciding on therapeutic strategies. The general practitioner can contribute to the disappearance of mild functional disorders by listening to the patient and by providing appropriate patient centered care. More severe situations are rarer and require a multidisciplinary approach to which the general practitioner should contribute.