Taking persistent physical symptoms seriously (15 June 2024)

Summary

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) are distressing physical complaints lasting several months or more without a clear cause. They are very common—but complex—and can be overwhelming for patients and healthcare professionals. PPS can have a devastating effect on mental health and cause distress for patients when they are not believed. This Lancet editorial looks at the increasing knowledge we have of the risk factors and mechanisms involved in PPS and what this means for patient care. It looks at recent research studies and models of care designed specifically for dealing with PSS.