ABC of Medically Unexplained Symptoms (Paperback)

Distressing for the patient and difficult to deal with, medically unexplained symptoms present one of the biggest challenges in primary care. ABC of Medically Unexplained Symptoms is a clear and practical guide to the identification and management of patients with symptoms not adequately explained by disease. It provides an overview of general principles and techniques and discusses in detail specific common symptoms such as headache, pain, breathlessness, fatigue and dizziness. It covers vital information on the assessment of symptoms, provides constructive explanations, and describes cognitive, behavioural and pharmacological approaches to treatment. Recognising the particular challenges that medically unexplained symptoms represent, it explains how to communicate with patients and involve them in managing their own symptoms. Written by an expert author team, ABC of Medically Unexplained Symptoms is ideal for general practitioners, practice nurses and specialist nurses, medical students and others working within primary care settings.