Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS): symptoms and treatment

Struggling with persistent symptoms that don't seem to match a recognised condition? We’re here to help you uncover the link between mind and body for effective relief.

Get expert support and start managing your symptoms with our personalised treatment plans.

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Struggling with ongoing physical symptoms that don’t seem to match a recognised medical condition? This condition, known as medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), affects many people, who may experience symptoms such as pain, dizziness or fatigue without a clear cause.

While this can feel frustrating and worrying, it’s important to know that medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are real, treatable, and support is available.

At Priory, we can help explore your symptom, reduce the damage their having on your life, and help you regain control of your wellbeing.

What are Medically Unexplained Symptoms?

MUS is a term used when you experience persistent physical problems, such as headaches, stomach pain, or muscle tension, but no clear medical explanation is found. Around a quarter of people visiting their GP report symptoms that can’t immediately be linked to a recognised physical illness.

These symptoms are not “all in your head.” The pain, discomfort and fatigue you feel are real and can significantly affect your quality of life. MUS emphasises the connection between your mental and physical health. Stress, mood and emotional wellbeing can influence the way your body experiences illness and pain.

Possible diagnoses for MUS

While initial diagnoses may conclude that you have MUS, further physical examinations or psychological assessments can ultimately help to determine whether there are existing physical or mental health conditions that are the reason behind your physical complaints.

Physical diagnoses which may be given for MUS include:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Chronic stomach complaints
Fibromyalgia - Body pain and muscle tenderness
Migraines - Unexplained headaches, which you may have had scans or tests for
Non-epileptic attack disorder - Where you have what look like epileptic fits, but don't have any problems with electrical activity in the brain normally seen in epilepsy.

Mental health diagnoses which may be given for MUS include:

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Where excessive concern about physical aspects of your body cause severe distress and impacts on daily functioning.

Dissociative disorder

Physical symptoms such as fits and loss of memory, which seem to be caused by problems in your nervous system, but are actually brought on by excessive stress.

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD)

A group of psychological disorders where physical symptoms are experienced as a result of stress, usually lasting a long time.

Signs and symptoms of MUS

MUS can show up in different ways, often depending on whether the root cause is stress, anxiety, depression or other emotional factors. Some common symptoms include:

Anxiety-related symptoms – rapid heartbeat, palpitations, breathlessness, trembling, dry mouth, chest tightness, neck stiffness
Depression-related symptoms – low energy, loss of appetite, unexplained aches and pains, weight changes
Stress-related symptoms – headaches, dizziness, muscle tension, nausea, stomach upset

It’s also common to worry excessively about your health. This can make symptoms feel worse and keep the cycle going. For example:

Family illness or bereavement making you more vigilant about your own health
Childhood exposure to health anxiety from parents or caregivers
Previous serious illness making you more likely to misinterpret mild symptoms as something severe

Causes and risk factors

There’s no single cause of MUS. Instead, a combination of factors can make you more likely to experience symptoms, including:

Stressful life events, such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, financial pressures, or job stress
Past trauma or difficult life experiences
A recent infection or physical illness
Existing anxiety, depression or high stress levels
Personality traits, such as being highly reactive to distress
Gender (MUS is more often reported by women, partly because they are more likely to seek help)
Age (young people are also commonly affected)

How Priory treats MUS

At Priory, we offer a tailored treatment plan to help you understand and manage MUS. Our therapies are evidence-based, delivered by specialists, and designed to address both the physical and emotional impact of your symptoms.

Options may include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): helps you recognise and change thought patterns that contribute to physical symptoms
Mindfulness: teaches techniques to stay present, reduce worry, and calm the mind–body response
Behavioural activation: supports you to build positive routines and activities that lift mood and reduce distress
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR): addresses past trauma that may be influencing physical symptoms
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): teaches skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance
Medication: antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication may be recommended alongside therapy if symptoms of anxiety or depression are ongoing

What to expect from treatment

Your journey begins with a private mental health assessment to understand your symptoms, medical history and personal challenges. From there, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan that may include outpatient therapy sessions, day care programmes, or more intensive inpatient support if required.

Treatment focuses on helping you:

Understand the link between your physical symptoms and emotional health
Learn practical strategies to reduce distress
Improve resilience and confidence in managing symptoms
Regain quality of life and everyday functioning

Why choose Priory for MUS treatment?

Expert care: our nationwide network of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists have experience in MUS and related conditions
Tailored approach: every treatment plan is designed around your needs, preferences and goals
Whole-person focus: we address both the emotional and physical aspects of your symptoms for lasting recovery
Accessible support: treatment is available in over 20 locations across the UK, with flexible outpatient, day care and inpatient options

Take the first step towards recovery

Living with unexplained symptoms can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage them alone. With the right support, it’s possible to reduce the impact MUS has on your life and move forward with confidence.

If you think you may be experiencing MUS, get in touch with Priory today to start your recovery journey.