The article deals with a common problém in medical practice where considerable group of patients attends their generál practitioners or specialists with so called medically unexplained symptoms. The article provides overview of some recent findings and opinions related to both this matter and to prevailing classification of those symptoms by the nosological category of somatoform disorders. Particular attention is paid to stereotyping views and stigmatisation many somatising patients are subject to. The most prominent factors reinforcing patologizing interactions in clinical practice in this respect are mentioned. The importance of appropriate communication between doctor, somatising patient is emphasized.

        Key words: unexplained symptoms, somatisation, somatoform disorders, psychosomatic disease.