Functional somatic symptoms in youths in general practice: A cross-sectional study on prevalence, clinical management and perceived burden

• Published in: Journal of psychosomatic research 2022-05, Vol.156, p.110765-110765, Article 110765
• Main Authors: Klastrup, L.K., Rosendal, M., Rask, M.T., Christensen, K.S., Rask, C.U.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Adults; Age; Age differences; Classification; Continuity of care; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis; Family physicians; Family Practice; Functional somatic symptoms; General Practice; Health care management; Humans; Medical diagnosis; Medically Unexplained Symptoms; Middle Aged; Patient care management; Patients; Prevalence; Regression analysis; Somatic symptoms; Somatoform disorders; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0022-3999; 1879-1360
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110765

Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) may progress into a functional disorder if poorly managed, which may have serious implications. This cross-sectional study describes the management of youths compared to adults in general practice and estimates the prevalence of FSS in youths in this setting by comparing consultation-related aspects between youths with FSS and 1) youths with a specific diagnosis and 2) adults with FSS. We used data from a Danish survey (2008–2009), including 3295 face-to-face consultations between GPs and patients aged 15–64 years. Patients were divided into youths (15–24 years) and adults (25–64 years) and then into subgroups according to the GPs' classifications: 1) specific diagnosis, 2) resolving symptom and 3) FSS. Logistic regression analysis was used for all comparisons, and estimates were adjusted for gender, concomitant chronic disorder and GP cluster. The GPs more frequently ensured continuity of care in adults (AOR:0.75, 95%CI:0.61–0.92, p