Physical symptoms that are real and distressing, yet cannot be confirmed through blood tests or imaging – this is how many people experience functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. These conditions are common, but surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding because they do not fit traditional medical models.
Physician and Ph.D. student Cecilia Pihl Jespersen from Aarhus University and patient representative Sandie Lykkehus explore this question together. They investigate what functional disorders consist of, how they feel from the inside, and what role an oversensitive alarm system in the brain and body may play. The discussion covers causes, symptoms, treatment options, and the important work of developing a more nuanced view of illness and health.
Science journalist Line Friis Frederiksen moderates the conversation, which is part of Folkeuniversitetets knowledge festival Hearts & Minds.
Practical information
- Location: Dokk1/Aarhus Main Library
- Admission: Free tickets
