Thesis To Label or Not to Label, That Is the Question Investigating diagnostic labelling in functional somatic disorders, 2026, Tattan

Dolphin

Dolphin

Senior Member (Voting Rights)
The embargo has recently ended for this thesis. The author has co-written some papers discussed on the forum so I'm not sure how much if anything is new in this.

research.rug.nl

To Label or Not to Label, That Is the Question: Investigating diagnostic labelling in functional somatic disorders

research.rug.nl research.rug.nl

To Label or Not to Label, That Is the Question Investigating diagnostic labelling in functional somatic disorders

PhD thesis to obtain the degree of PhD of the University of Groningen on the authority of the Rector Magnificus Prof. J.M.A. Scherpen and in accordance with the decision by the College of Deans.

This thesis will be defended in public on Wednesday, the 2nd of April 2025 at 11:00 hours By Mais Tattan

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Abstract​

Functional Somatic Disorders (FSD) encompass conditions such as fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which present persistent physical symptoms without identifiable biomedical abnormalities. FSDs significantly impact patients’ quality of life (QoL) and healthcare utilization. Despite established diagnostic criteria, many individuals fulfilling these criteria do not receive a formal FSD diagnosis. This thesis explores the implications of receiving an FSD diagnostic label and the factors influencing this process.

A systematic review synthesized evidence from 15 studies, revealing gender disparities in FSD labelling and its mixed effects on patients. While diagnosis provided initial relief, it was often followed by concerns over chronicity and social stigma. Population-based studies in Denmark and the Netherlands found that most individuals meeting FSD diagnostic criteria did not receive a formal label. Labelling was associated with female sex, worse QoL, lower education, psychiatric comorbidities, and higher healthcare use, though other associations varied.
A qualitative study examined the lived experiences of FM patients, highlighting profound changes in self-perception, social relationships, and occupational roles post-diagnosis. Lastly, an analysis of Wikipedia content demonstrated inconsistencies in online information quality and widespread stigma surrounding FSD.

This thesis investigates the complex and multifaceted nature of FSD labelling, emphasizing the need for further research to better understand its consequences and improve patient care.





Original language
English

Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy

Awarding Institution
  • University of Groningen
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Rosmalen, Judith, Supervisor
  • Hanssen, Denise, Co-supervisor

Award date
2-Apr-2025

Place of Publication

[Groningen]


Publisher

Publication status
Published - 2025
 
Last edited:
The thesis said:
While diagnosis provided initial relief
Click to expand...
This is an extreme level of cherry-picking. Most people see through the BS and reject it. Anger is a more common reaction. Everyone in the discipline knows it and complains about it all the time.
A qualitative study examined the lived experiences of FM patients, highlighting profound changes in self-perception, social relationships, and occupational roles post-diagnosis
Click to expand...
This is just laughable. It's pure imaginary internal scenarios like Wessely did early in his career, imagining what we think and feel in just the way that happens to validate the model. No such thing happens in the vast majority of cases. In fact it's far more likely for patients to seriously, and rightfully, question the competence of the whole profession for allowing this nonsense.

The bias is in the original studies as well, but the way things work in psychosomatic seems to involve increasing levels of bias, rather than a decrease.
 
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