Perception of Stress in Patients with Physical Symptoms Medically not Explained

Abstract

identify the association between stress and patients with physical symptoms medically not explained (psmne), in order to define a strategy of approach. Material and methods: cross-sectional, prospective, comparative, observational study with a total sample of 230 patients. 115 patients participated in each group. Self-assessment scales were used to evaluate the perception of stress. It was used the spss 20 for Windows, with descriptive statistics for demographic data; χ² for crossing stress perceived in group 1 and group 2; Pearson correlation per group to score stress; p<0.05 statistical significance. Results: in both groups the female sex dominated (Group 1: 94% and group 2: 80%). Bloated stomach was the most frequent reason for consultation with 52% in the psmne group. Stress perceived score in patients with psmne was 26.9% vs. 23.5% in the group without psmne (p=0.01). Conclusions: the perception of stress was greater in patients with psmne than in patients with an organic disease.