Content Warning: This episode briefly discusses suicide and child abuse.

In this episode, Dr. David Clarke shares how an unexpected patient case led him to specialize in neuroplastic symptoms. These are real physical pain and illness caused by the brain's response to stress and trauma rather than an underlying physical condition.

We discuss how trauma, anxiety, and depression can manifest as chronic pain, why these symptoms are often misunderstood, and how patients can begin addressing the root causes of their suffering. Dr. Clarke also explores the gender and racial disparities in pain treatment, particularly for women and women of color.

Finally, we examine how greater awareness of neuroplastic conditions can improve patient outcomes while helping physicians better support patients with unexplained symptoms and reduce professional burnout.

David D. Clarke, MD, is President of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (Symptomatic.me). He is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, USA. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and has diagnosed and treated over 7000 patients whose symptoms were not explained by organ disease or injury. His book for patients, They Can’t Find Anything Wrong!, was praised by the president of the Society for Biobehavioral Science and Medicine as “truly remarkable.” His podcast is called The Story Behind the Symptoms, where he interviews patients to find the cause of their pain or illness, much as he did in his practice for decades.

You can find Dr. Clarke on social media @daveclarkemd

To learn more about neuroplastic symptoms and perform the self-assessment, visit www.Symptomatic.me