Exploring maladaptive cognitions and behaviors as perpetuating factors in patients with persistent somatic symptoms: a longitudinal study.

Objective: Maladaptive cognitions and behaviors may influence symptoms and impairment in patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). Aims of this study were to examine: (i) whether maladaptive cognitions and behaviors are associated with symptom severity and functional health over time; (ii) if these associations are the result of changes within individuals over time or of differences between individuals; (iii) directions of changes within individuals over time.

Methods: Longitudinal data of a heterogeneous sample of patients with PSS were analyzed (n = 322 patients enrolled in the PROSPECTS cohort study).

Lost in fragmentation - care coordination when somatic symptoms persist: a qualitative study of patients' experiences.

Background: GPs can play a central role in the care of patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). To date, little is known about these patients' experiences relating to their coordination of care.

Aim: To explore the experiences of patients with PSS relating to coordination of care - in particular by their GP - during their illness trajectory.

Potentially traumatic events, social support and burden of persistent somatic symptoms: A longitudinal study.

Objective: Psychological trauma is a well-known risk factor for the onset of persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). In contrast, little is known on the relation between potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and the severity of PSS, and on the protective effect of social support. We aimed to: (i) determine whether childhood, adulthood and recent PTEs are associated with burden of PSS over four years of follow-up; (ii) examine associations of multiple and cumulative (in childhood and adulthood) exposure to PTEs with burden of PSS; and (iii) determine whether social support modifies these associations.

Impact of symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification on persistent physical symptoms: A three-year follow-up study.

Objective: The somatosensory amplification theory considers symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification as important perpetuating factors of persistent physical symptoms. We investigated whether symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification were associated with symptom severity and mental and physical functioning over a three-year period in patients with persistent physical symptoms (PPS).

Methods: Baseline, 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-months follow-up data from the PROSPECTS study, a prospective cohort consisting of 325 patients with PPS, were used.

Predicting the course of persistent physical symptoms: Development and internal validation of prediction models for symptom severity and functional status during 2 years of follow-up.

Objective: Increased knowledge about predictors of the course of persistent physical symptoms (PPS) is needed to identify patients at risk for long-term PPS in clinical settings. Therefore, we developed prediction models for the course of PPS in terms of symptom-severity and related functional status during a 2-year follow-up period.

Methods: We used data of the PROSPECTS cohort study, consisting of 325 PPS patients from several health care settings.

The 2-year course of Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) in terms of symptom severity and functional status: results of the PROSPECTS cohort study.

Objective: We assessed the 2-year course of Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) in terms of symptom severity, physical functioning and mental functioning.

Methods: We used data of the PROSPECTS cohort study, consisting of 325 MUPS patients from several health care settings. Symptom severity (PHQ-15), physical functioning (RAND 36 PCS) and mental functioning (RAND 36 MCS) were assessed at baseline and 6, 12 and 24 months afterwards.

The cross-sectional relation between medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) and the Cortisol Awakening Response.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the cross-sectional relation between levels of cortisol and specific symptom clusters, symptom severity and duration of symptoms in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS).

Methods: Baseline data of a cohort of MUPS patients were used. We chose the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) as a cortisol parameter, using saliva samples.

Clinical value of DSM IV and DSM 5 criteria for diagnosing the most prevalent somatoform disorders in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS).

Objective: This study aimed (1) to describe frequencies of DSM IV somatisation disorder, undifferentiated somatoform disorder and pain disorder versus DSM 5 somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in a multi-setting population of patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS), (2) to investigate differences in sociodemographic and (psycho)pathological characteristics between these diagnostic groups and (3) to explore the clinical relevance of the distinction between mild and moderate DSM 5 SSD.

Methods: We used baseline data of a cohort of 325 MUPS patients. Measurements included questionnaires about symptom severity, physical functioning, anxiety, depression, health anxiety and illness perceptions.