SUBJECTIVE SYMPTOM Meaning and
Definition
-
Subjective symptoms refer to physical or psychological experiences that are felt and reported by an individual but cannot be objectively observed or measured by others. These symptoms are primarily based on an individual's perception or personal interpretation of their own experiences and can vary greatly from person to person.
Subjective symptoms are commonly associated with conditions that involve pain, discomfort, or emotional distress, such as headaches, dizziness, anxiety, or depression. Since these symptoms are difficult to quantify or validate objectively, they heavily rely on the individual's description and their ability to communicate their experiences accurately.
For instance, in the case of chronic pain, the intensity and quality of the pain experienced by the individual cannot be directly measured by medical professionals. Instead, doctors rely on the patient's subjective symptom reports to understand and assess their condition. This subjectivity can sometimes lead to challenges in diagnosing and treating certain medical conditions, as different individuals may interpret and describe symptoms differently.
Overall, subjective symptoms are an important aspect of healthcare and medical evaluation, as they provide valuable information about an individual's health and well-being. Recognizing and understanding subjective symptoms can aid healthcare professionals in improving their patients' care and in finding appropriate treatment options to alleviate their discomfort.
-
One apparent only to the patient himself.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUBJECTIVE SYMPTOM
Etymology of SUBJECTIVE SYMPTOM
The word "subjective" originates from the Latin word "subjectivus", which means "pertaining to something within the mind". It is derived from the Latin word "subjectus", meaning "placed beneath" or "subordinate". In the context of symptoms, the term "subjective" refers to experiences or sensations that are not directly observable or measurable by others and are based on personal perceptions or feelings.
The word "symptom" comes from the Greek word "symptoma", meaning "anything that has befallen or befalls, a happening, accident, symptom". It is derived from the Greek verb "symptō", which means "to befall" or "to happen".
Therefore, the term "subjective symptom" combines the Latin word "subjectivus" with the Greek word "symptoma", indicating a symptom experienced and reported by a person that is not readily perceptible or objectively measurable by others.
