A study of the presentation of somatic symptoms in general practice by patients with psychiatric disturbance.

A computerized questionnaire was used to collect information on the presentation of symptoms in all 125 new patients presenting to one general practitioner in the course of one year who were considered to be suffering clinically significant psychiatric disturbance. Comparison was made between the 73 (58%) patients presenting with psychological symptoms and the 52 (42%) patients presenting with somatic symptoms for which no physical explanation was evident at the time of the consultation. Important differences emerged between the groups. Those patients presenting somatic symptoms had lower scores on the tests of psychiatric distress (indicating severity), fewer individual symptoms and fewer severe symptoms than patients presenting with psychological problems. This group also had statistically significant differences in personality profile and reported significantly fewer social problems. Prognosis for both groups was similar in that patients in both groups were equally likely to have a normal psychiatric distress score after six months. Adequate management of somatizing patients calls for vigilance and for improved detection and negotiating skills. Reviewing the computer results with patients helped them discuss their symptoms and the system allowed the general practitioner not only a clinical assessment of these patients' problems but a measure of psychological, social and personality components.