Six Categories of Illnesses ()
Abstract
Studies show that between 40% and 60% of
patients attending emergency departments have medically unexplained physical
symptoms (MUPS) that are determined by psychosocial factors. However, there
exists no clear categorization of these factors and the symptoms that they
produce. This paper delineates six categories of illnesses that help to
overcome this deficit. The categories of illnesses are 1) Typical physical
illnesses; 2) Typical psychiatric illnesses; 3) Psychophysiological symptoms;
4) Symptoms associated with reliving traumas; 5) “Cherished” or hysterical
symptoms; 6) Symptoms that identify with illnesses of others. Clinical examples
of each category are provided.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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