The Doerfler-Stewart Test is a widely used method to differentiate between psychogenic and organic causes of a patient’s symptoms. Developed by Doerfler and Stewart in 1979, the test is based on a comprehensive medical history, a physical examination, and psychological testing.
The Doerfler-Stewart Test is used to distinguish between psychological and physical causes of a patient’s symptoms. It relies on a thorough medical history and physical examination to evaluate the presence of physical illness, an assessment of the patient’s psychological state, and a review of laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures. The test is designed to help clinicians find a physical cause for a patient’s symptoms, even when psychological factors may be present.
The Doerfler-Stewart Test is an inexpensive and efficient way to differentiate between psychogenic and organic causes of a patient’s symptoms. It has been found to be more accurate than relying solely on either the medical history or physical examination. The test has been found to be particularly useful in the evaluation of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other functional somatic syndromes.
In conclusion, the Doerfler-Stewart Test is a valuable tool for clinicians to differentiate between psychogenic and organic causes of a patient’s symptoms. It is accurate, inexpensive, and efficient, and has been found to be particularly useful in the evaluation of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other functional somatic syndromes.
References
Doerfler, L., & Stewart, M. (1979). The Doerfler-Stewart Test. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 23(4), 317-323.
Friedberg, F., & Goldenberg, D. (2005). The Doerfler-Stewart Test: A review of its validity in the diagnosis of functional somatic syndromes. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 59(4), 339-345.
Kroenke, K., Arbogast, P., Mangelsdorff, A. D., & O’Connor, P. J. (1988). The Doerfler-Stewart Test: A review of its accuracy and utility. Archives of Internal Medicine, 148(2), 297-301.