Table 1 Topic guide
From: Patients’ experiences of living with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS): a qualitative study
Somatic dimension |
Could you describe your symptoms? Do you remember when they started? Are the symptoms the same or do they change with time? |
Cognitive dimension |
What do you think causes the symptoms? How can you explain the symptoms? What do you think you can do to influence the symptoms? |
Emotional dimension |
What do you feel as a result of the symptoms? How did you react when they first appeared? Describe your emotions. |
Behavioral dimension |
What influence do the symptoms have on your life? Do you seek medical help? How do you cope with the symptoms? |
Social dimension |
What are the consequences of the symptoms on people around you? What effect do the symptoms have on your personal and professional life, your functioning at home and at work? |
Cultural dimension |
What expectations do you have concerning medical care/ your GP? Do you hide your symptoms/ illness from your family, relatives, friends, etc.? If so, why? |