| Functional somatic symptoms (FSS), symptoms that cannot be conclusively explained by organic pathology, constitute a major health care problem. Although the etiology of FSS is still not fully understood, it is widely agreed that underlying processes are multifactorial. Biological, psychological, and social factors make a person vulnerable for FSS, and complex interactions between these factors have part in the development and perpetuation of FSS. Many models have been suggested for the explanation of the etiology of FSS, acknowledging the interaction between the vulnerability factors for FSS. An example of such model is the cognitive-behavioural model. Among the cognitive factors, studies towards intelligence as a vulnerability factor for FSS are virtually absent. We aim to study the role of intelligence as a potential vulnerability factor of FSS. First, we aim to study if intelligence is a risk factor for FSS in adults and in adolescents. Second, we aim to study factors related to intelligence and FSS that might act as potential mechanisms explaining the association between intelligence and FSS. This study will be performed in longitudinal population-based cohorts covering different age windows. Understanding the mechanisms how intelligence and FSS might relate in adults, but also in adolescents, can contribute to understanding the etiology of FSS. |
