“Medically Unexplained Symptoms” and The Search For Answers
by James E. “Jed” Foster, Jr., MA, LMFT
At Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health, we treat a lot of individuals that have been looking for answers for their symptoms for months – even years; chasing leads, following recommendations, even going through exhausting weeks-long deep dives at some of the finest medical institutions in the country. Sometimes the diagnosis “medically unexplained symptoms” is what they’re left with, along with the persistent symptoms that began the journey in the first place. They’re tired, hurting, and frustrated. In Part One of his two-part series about Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS), Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. David Hanscom, MD examines the diagnosis of MUS and the pitfalls of short-sightedness when it comes to understanding how the body’s physiological response to stress and anxiety (or other internal or external stimuli) is often behind the symptoms.
At CGH, we understand the interplay between the mind and the body along the mind-gut axis. Those patients who have or are currently working with me (or anyone on our multidisciplinary team) are well-versed in how anxiety and the physiological response to stress can wreak havoc along the mind-gut axis. We understand that fear, stress, and anxiety (along with other stimuli) can set off neurochemical reactions that, as Dr. Hanscom explains, can result in changes in the immune system, changes in metabolism, and changes in the nervous system (including hypersensitivity to sensations and pain). Please give Dr. Hanscom’s article a read, and if you find yourself frustrated by an MUS diagnosis, please give us a call and understand that our team will not overlook anxiety or the stress response as potential contributor to your discomfort. We work daily on creating coping skills and anxiety toolkits with treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gut-directed Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Training, and Positive Psychology that help soften the stress response in the body and help bring you some relief.
Psychology Today: The Most Destructive Diagnosis in Medicine
Jed is a licensed psychotherapist that continues to be both amazed by and drawn to the mind-body connection. Check in on his blogs and video logs for news, information, tips, and commentary on topics related to – but not limited to – the mind-gut connection, behavioral therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy, weight management, positive psychology, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, overall well-being, and anything else he feels patients will benefit from learning. Jed is actively accepting new patients. Call 224.407.4400 today and begin your journey to better health and enhanced overall well-being.