injurysuch

Injurysuch is a hypothetical clinical construct used in theoretical discussions to describe persistent, injury-like sensations and beliefs that remain after physical trauma, without evidence of ongoing tissue damage on examination or imaging. It is not an officially recognized diagnosis in DSM-5-TR or ICD-11, but is used to explore psychosocial factors in post-traumatic symptomatology.

Clinical framing: When symptoms are distressing or impair functioning but there is no demonstrable structural injury, injurysuch would fall within somatic symptom disorders or functional disorders. Diagnosis relies on standard clinical evaluation to exclude real injury and to assess impact on daily life.

Symptoms: Patients may report renewed injury sensations, phantom pains, or belief of persistent vulnerability. They may show preoccupation, pain behaviors, avoidance of activity, mood disturbance, or sleep disruption. Exam and imaging are typically unrevealing or discordant with reported severity.

Causes and pathophysiology: Proposed mechanisms include central sensitization, attentional bias to bodily signals, conditioning, and functional brain network changes linked to distress. Social reinforcement and medical-system factors can reinforce symptoms. There are no specific biomarkers for injurysuch.

Management and prognosis: A multidisciplinary approach—education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, graded activity, physical therapy, and sleep and mood management—aims to reduce distress and restore function. Prognosis varies; early, coordinated care may improve outcomes. See also somatic symptom disorder and functional neurological disorder.