Organ groups:
(1) cardiopulmonary and/or autonomic
(2) gastrointestinal tract
(3) musculoskeletal
(4) general
Symptoms in cardiopulmonary and/or autonomic:
(1) palpitations or heart pounding
(2) precordial discomfort
(3) breathlessness without exertion
(4) hyperventilation
(5) hot or cold sweats
(6) dry mouth
Symptoms in gastrointestinal tract:
(1) abdominal pains
(2) frequent loose bowel movements
(3) feeling bloated, distended or full of gas
(4) regurgitations
(5) diarrhea
(6) nausea
(7) burning sensation in chest or epigastrium
Symptoms in musculoskeletal system:
(1) pains in arms or legs
(2) muscular aches or pains
(3) pains in joints
(4) feedlings of paresis or localized weakness
(5) back ache
(6) pain moving from one place to another
(7) unpleasant numbness or tingling sensation
General symptoms:
(1) concentration difficulties
(2) memory impairment
(3) excessive fatigue
(4) headache
(5) dizziness
Criteria for BDS:
(1) >= 3 symptoms in one or more of the 4 organ groups
(2) The patient’s daily life is affected by symptoms (some degree of impairment).
(3) No other diagnoses can explain the findings.
If 3 or 4 of the 4 organ groups are affected then it is termed multi-organ BDS. This is often more severe than when only 1 or 2 of the organ groups are affected.
