Symptoms and Diagnosis Physical symptoms that may be misinterpreted include borborygmi, abdominal bloating and crampy discomfort, cardiac awareness, and sweating. The location, quality, and duration of such symptoms are often described in minute detail, but symptoms usually do not follow a recognizable pattern of organic dysfunction and are generally not associated with abnormal physical findings. Examination and reassurance by a physician does not relieve the concerns of the patient, who tends to believe the physician has failed to find the real cause. Symptoms adversely affect social and occupational functioning and cause significant distress. Depression combined with hypochondriacal complaints presages a poor prognosis for recovery from the depression.
Treatment is difficult because the patient is convinced that something is seriously wrong.
However, a trusting relationship with a caring physician is beneficial, especially if regular office visits inspire reassurance. If symptoms are not adequately relieved, the patient may benefit from a psychiatric referral for further evaluation and treatment, while continuing under the care of the primary physician. All rights reserved.