A review of psycho-physiological pathological mechanisms and clinical treatments of functional somatic symptoms

As a common clinical problem, functional somatic symptom (FSS) causes significant distress and functional damage to patients, and brings pressure to doctors and the medical system. It challenges the traditional Cartesian mind-body dualism. In light of recent advancements in neuroscience and interdisciplinary findings in FSS, we review the mechanisms of FSS in a central-peripheral order and summarize the current evidence-based treatments of FSS in a clinical process fashion. We provide the following suggestions concerning future research in China: (1) strengthen the continuing education of psychosomatic training for doctors of all medical specialties; (2) carry out high-quality clinical intervention research on FSS; (3) and carry out interdisciplinary and translational research on FSS.