Multiple physical symptoms and coping in the Danish general population

Many people experience symptoms like abdominal pain, headache, dyspepsia, and musculoskeletal pain. For most people, such symptoms are self-limiting, but some people experience that the symptoms persist, sometimes developing into chronic and disabling conditions. A somatic explanation may be present, but often blood samples and scans are normal. When a person has at least four symptoms from one organ system but no medical explanation for the symptoms it can be classified as Bodily Distress Syndrome (BDS). It is a condition where the brain registers unusually many symptoms/signals and the body produce more symptoms than normally. BDS is also known as a functional disorder.

Almost one out of six people fulfill the criteria for BDS, and for more than 50%, the symptoms persist after two years. Many factors can affect the perception of symptoms, including how individuals respond to stress and difficult situations, and this process is also known as coping. It is valuable to examine whether certain coping strategies are associated with maintenance or deterioration of symptoms over time.

The study builds upon two population-based studies, the Danish Symptom Cohort (the DaSC I) and the Danish Symptom Cohort II (the DaSC II). In both studies, 100,000 representatives of the Danish general population have been invited to participate in an online survey about symptoms and healthcare-seeking behavior. Additionally, the respondents of the DaSC I were reinvited to participate in the DaSC II.
In both surveys, multiple physical symptoms are assessed by using the BDS checklist and coping is measured by using the Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire.
In the project, the following three aims will be covered:
1. Which coping strategies characterize individuals reporting multiple physical symptoms?
2. What is the frequency of multiple physical symptoms in 2022 compared to 2012, and is the use of coping strategies stabile in the general population over time?
3. How many of those who experience multiple physical symptoms in 2012 has persisting symptoms in 2022, and is the use of certain coping strategies associate with persistence?

Knowledge obtained in this study is valuable for all healthcare professionals in their clinical encounter with patients. An early effort targeting coping may contribute to prevention of persistent and disabling symptoms. The relatively new, specialized centers for functional disorders have long waiting lists, and by targeting coping in the primary care setting, it may be possible to minimize the symptom burden at an earlier stage and thereby reduce the number of referrals to secondary care. Hopefully, this will contribute to increased quality of life for people experiencing multiple physical symptoms and reduce the economic burden associated with referrals and social security.

Project status
Data for the DaSC I and the DaSC II have been collected.
The first aim has been covered in the publication "Coping strategies among individuals with multiple physical symptoms: A general population-based cross-sectional study"
Currently, data analysis regarding the second and third aim is conducted.

Updated: 04-05-2023