Related Experiment Videos
Unexplained physical symptoms in dental patients
P Coulthard1, S Morris, A J Hamilton
1University Dental Hospital of Manchester, London.
British Dental Journal
|May 30, 1998
Summary
Psychological factors can cause physical symptoms without a clear organic cause. This paper explores somatisation, a concept helpful in understanding unexplained symptoms, using two dental treatment case studies.
Area of Science:
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Physical symptoms without adequate organic pathology are often psychological.
- Somatisation is a key concept for understanding these unexplained symptoms.
Observation:
- Two case histories illustrate unusual physical symptoms.
- These symptoms emerged after dental treatment.
Findings:
- Somatisation played a role in the development of these post-treatment symptoms.
- The psychological origin of unexplained physical symptoms is highlighted.
Implications:
- Understanding somatisation can aid clinicians in diagnosing and managing unexplained physical symptoms.
- This framework may improve patient care for somatising individuals, particularly after medical procedures.