IN THIS ARTICLE, research findings are discussed that indicate a high rate of general physical health problems in persons with persistent, long-term psychiatric disorders. The self-regulation theory of health behaviors is proposed as a method to examine the complexity of interpreting physical complaints and discomforts. Attribution of meaning to vague physical symptoms is confounded by mood states, especially negative moods. Little is known about how persons with persistent mental disorders assess physical symptoms, which is relevant to self-care behavior. Research evidence suggests that persons with chronic health problems use different patterns of symptom interpretation and management than do healthy persons with similar symptoms.