Persistent physical symptoms, also known as persistent somatic symptoms, encompass distressing somatic complaints lasting several months or more, regardless of their cause. These symptoms, often resulting in significant disability, pose a major burden on patients, healthcare professionals, and society. They can arise from infections, injuries, medical conditions, stressful life events, or appear without a clear origin. Diagnosing and treating these symptoms is challenging due to their complex and multifactorial nature, involving biological and psychosocial risk factors. Effective care requires addressing underlying pathophysiology, employing person-centred communication techniques, and, if needed, utilizing targeted psychological and pharmacological interventions. Understanding the persistence of somatic symptoms is key to providing personalized treatment and reducing stigma for affected patients.
PainSA is a chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Our mission is to improve all aspects of pain management in Southern Africa.
We are a multidisciplinary society whose membership includes all healthcare professionals