Elevations reflect somatic complaints expressed in areas such as generalized pain, fatigue, multiple vague complaints, and/or preoccupation with health-related difficulties. However, these typically represent psychological conflicts that are being expressed through physical means. If the clients have legitimate physical illnesses, they are likely to be unduly preoccupied and possibly exaggerating their difficulties. In other words, their difficulties are overinterpreted to signify a major illness when the illness is actually relatively minor. Often, the complaints are expressed in a dramatic and/or vague manner. An important function of these complaints is to gain sympathy, attention, or medical reassurance. A careful medical history typically reveals a hypochondriacal pattern in which they are overusers of the health care system.