Functional Somatic Syndromes and patient-doctor relationship's specificity

The term Functional Somatic Syndrome (FSS) refers to a complex medical condition characterized by the presence of physical symptoms, yet clinical signs are not easily identifiable. The challenges in the doctor-patient relationship stem from physicians' lack of training in mental health issues, inadequate diagnostic criteria, and an excessive focus on the biomedical model. Furthermore, the coexistence of FSS with psychiatric disorders and the potential secondary benefits that the disease provides to the patient are factors that exacerbate these difficulties. Various communication models between doctor and patient include the biomedical model, the expanded biomedical model, the consumer model, the psychosocial model, and the biopsychosocial model, while an alternative categorization includes the active-passive model, guided cooperation and the mutual participation model, while an alternative categorization includes the active-passive model, the guided cooperation and the mutual participation model. In this study, research data is presented supporting the view that the biopsychosocial model is the optimal choice for both managing medical care and communication between doctor and patient. Establishing a relationship of mutual participation significantly contributes to the care plan for FSS patients and can be facilitated through standardized decision-making processes, as well as the development of empathetic and reassuring skills.

Keywords: Functional Somatic Syndrome, Medically Unexplained Symptoms, physician-patient relationship, communication models, biopsychosocial approach