Psychometric properties of the self-report instrument for somatic symptoms in general hospitals

To the Editor:Medically unexplained physical symptoms(MUPS)and related disorders are especially common in healthcare-seeking populations.A recent meta-analysis revealed the prevalence of somatoform disorders of 34.8%(by International Classification of Diseases)and 26.2%(by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders[DSM])in primary care patients.Further,at least one medically unexplained symptom was detected among 40%to 49%of primary care patients using questionnaires.