Functional Somatic Symptoms Across Cultures: Perceptual and Health Care Issues

This article provides a conceptual model that integrates sociocultural factors with symptom perception and health care use relevant to the different rates of functional somatic symptoms in emergency departments across nationalities. Considering these factors, future attempts to improve care for patients with functional disorders should enhance access to effective treatment for all patient groups, empower patients through education and early participation in the treatment process, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration among specialists from somatic and mental health disciplines.
Source: Psychosomatic Medicine - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Tags: Editorial Comment Source Type: research