Three different approaches to delimitation of functional somatic disorders: DanFunD

The Danish Study of Functional Disorders (DanFunD) approaches functional somatic disorders (FSD) with three delimitations: Five syndromes (FSS), Bodily Distress Syndrome (BDS), and eight data-driven symptom profiles (SP). This paper presents each delimitation discusses optimal for further original research into FSD epidemiology. A total 9656 adults from the general population participated in this cross-sectional study. Case assignment delimitations was based on self-reported questionnaires. Overlap FSS, BDS, SP their association poor self-perceived health were calculated as descriptive statistics shown Venn diagrams. Difference between participants severe compared no risk ratios generalized linear models binomial family log link. We found pronounced overlaps any multiple symptoms well multi-organ BDS all symptoms. Symptoms related to clusters musculoskeletal contributed particularly did categories Each has its strengths weaknesses, study, we offer a contribution more valid FSD. Future within DanFunD other epidemiological studies may benefit using than just one capturing diverse nature