Functional somatic symptoms in accident and emergency--An exploratory study

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the extent and nature of functional somatic symptoms (FSS) in a UK Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department.

Methods: A mixed method design was used. Data on the number and outcomes of attendances of patients who had attended A&E four or more times in a 6-month period, and who had not received a medical diagnosis were collected. Levels of anxiety and depression were explored and patients were invited to attend an interview with a clinical psychologist.

Results: One hundred frequent attendees made 595 visits to A&E in 6 months, with 20% of visits resulting in a hospital admission. Participants revealed high levels of health anxiety, with over half of participants reporting a perceived link between psychological factors and their experience of symptoms. Over 80% of participants attending the interview wanted further help to manage their symptoms and health care utilisation.

Conclusions: Functional somatic symptoms are highly distressing for patients and place high demands on health care resources. An alternative care pathway to assess and manage FSS in A&E may need to be developed to help patients to manage their health anxiety.