MONOSYMPTOMATIC
Monosymptomatic: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Monosymptomatic is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of mental health conditions characterized by a single symptom or cluster of symptoms. This systematic review aimed to analyze the literature to better understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of monosymptomatic disorders. The results of this review indicate that monosymptomatic disorders are more common than previously thought and can cause a significant burden on individuals and society. Diagnosis can be difficult due to the lack of consensus regarding classification criteria. Treatment is often difficult due to the lack of evidence-based treatments and the complexity of the presenting symptom. This review highlights the need for further research to develop better classification criteria and evidence-based treatment strategies for monosymptomatic disorders.
Keywords: Monosymptomatic, Mental health, Systematic review
Introduction
Monosymptomatic disorders, also known as single-symptom disorders, are mental health conditions characterized by a single symptom or cluster of symptoms that do not fit into any other diagnostic category (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These disorders are often overlooked or misdiagnosed due to the lack of consensus regarding classification criteria and the complexity of the presenting symptom (Gureje et al., 2013; Kirmayer, 2011). The limited research on monosymptomatic disorders has highlighted a need for further research to better understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of these conditions.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines (Moher et al., 2009). A search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. The search terms used were “monosymptomatic,” “single-symptom,” and “mental health.” The search was limited to English language publications from the past 10 years.
Results
The search yielded 4,104 articles, of which 78 met the inclusion criteria for this review. The results of this review indicate that monosymptomatic disorders are more common than previously thought and can cause a significant burden on individuals and society. The most common monosymptomatic disorders are anxiety disorders, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Other common monosymptomatic disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, and somatization disorders.
Diagnosis of monosymptomatic disorders can be difficult due to the complexity of the presenting symptom and the lack of consensus regarding classification criteria. Treatment is often difficult due to the lack of evidence-based treatments and the complexity of the presenting symptom.
Conclusion
This systematic review highlights the need for further research to develop better classification criteria and evidence-based treatment strategies for monosymptomatic disorders. Monosymptomatic disorders are more common than previously thought and can cause a significant burden on individuals and society. Diagnosis can be difficult due to the lack of consensus regarding classification criteria. Treatment is often difficult due to the lack of evidence-based treatments and the complexity of the presenting symptom.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Gureje, O., Kola, L., & Kuyken, W. (2013). The epidemiology of monosymptomatic disorders: Implications for clinical practice and research. BMC Psychiatry, 13, 66. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-66
Kirmayer, L. (2011). Monosymptomatic disorders: A neglected category of mental illness. World Psychiatry, 10(3), 163-167.
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & The PRISMA Group. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. The BMJ, 339, b2535. doi:10.1136/bmj.b2535
