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Background
Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS), Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) or
Unexplained Symptoms are the terms used to describe symptoms that remain unexplained after an
appropriate medical assessment that includes focused diagnostic testing. Patients are often given
multiple labels that lack a well-defined disease explanation. Usual clinical features include
a relative lack of objective signs and a chronic symptom course often marked by exacerbations, remissions,
and recurrences. Therefore, clinical management must be based largely upon patient report, rather than specific
findings on clinical examination or diagnostic testing. A compassionate approach to patients with medically
unexplained symptoms (MUS) is essential.
The Veterans Administration (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have developed two clinical practice
guidelines to assist primary care clinicians evaluate and manage patients with deployment-related health concerns and MUS:
The DoD Deployment Health Clinical Center has developed an intensive, three-week, multi-disciplinary treatment program,
the Specialized Care Program (SCP) Track I , designed to address persistent disabling symptoms attributed by service members to
deployment or other military exposure. The SCP is for members of all armed services and components, as well as to family members
who have been through the PDH-CPG cycle of care and continue to present with chronic illnesses such as medically unexplained physical symptoms.
Table of Contents
Clinical Guidance
Implementation Guidelines
Implementation Tools
Other Related Information
Education and Training
Related Links
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