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Bekaroğlu E, Yılmaz T. How Perceptions of Parents' Parenting Behaviors Pave the Way to Somatic Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Among Adults. Psychol Rep 2025; 128:2866-2884. [PMID: 37485851 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231191722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate adult participants' reflections on their parents' parenting behaviors during childhood (parental overprotection and parental rejection), and their current emotion-regulation strategies and somatic symptoms. The study consisted of 627 participants and Somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and Short EMBU Children Form were given to the participants. Four different multiple mediation analyses were conducted to test mediator roles of emotion regulation difficulties between perceptions of the parenting behaviors (parental overprotection and rejection) and somatic symptoms among adults. Participants' lack of goals and lack of strategies while dealing with negative emotions mediated the relationship between mother/father rejection and somatic symptoms. However, only participants' lack of strategies while dealing with negative emotions mediated the relationship between mother/father overprotection and somatic symptoms. As a clinical implication, problem-focused coping strategies may assist adults with somatic symptoms. Also, mental health practitioners may focus on perceptions of overprotective and rejecting parental behaviors while formulizing somatic symptoms of the adult patients. Findings, strengths and limitations of this study were discussed in the light of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Bekaroğlu
- Department of Psychology, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Yılmaz
- Department of Psychology, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Litzenburger A, Rothacher Y, Hanusch KU, Ehlert U, Nater UM, Fischer S. Network structure of functional somatic symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2025; 188:111968. [PMID: 39532031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 10/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The overlap among functional somatic syndromes (FSS) is substantial, which is why various empirical attempts at an improved understanding of related symptoms have been undertaken. Network analyses are particularly valuable from a clinical point of view, since they focus on the extent to which symptoms expression is co-dependent. The aim of this study was to provide the first estimation of the network structure of symptoms in 17 FSS. METHODS N = 3054 young adults participated in an online survey. The Questionnaire on Functional Somatic Syndromes (FSSQ) was used to diagnose FSS and to assess related symptoms. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess (comorbid) depression. Various R packages were used for network analysis, which yielded correlations between symptoms (edges), symptom groups (communities), and measures of centrality for individual symptoms (e.g., node strength). RESULTS The final network had a relatively small number of edges, with small (46.5 %) or small- to medium-sized (47.1 %) correlations. Ten communities were identified: cognitive problems/fatigue/depression, sensory problems, facial pain, head/neck/upper back pain, dizziness/nausea, throat pain/problems with swallowing, chest pain, widespread pain, abdominal pain/problems with digestion, and genital pain. The highest node strength in the network was found for the symptoms "tired", "down, depressed, or hopeless", and "tired after minimal exertion". CONCLUSIONS The network analyses pointed to ten distinct groups of moderately associated symptoms in individuals with FSS. Fatigue and depression emerged as important symptoms connecting groups. Future studies should test whether (transdiagnostic) interventions specifically targeting these symptoms are particularly potent in alleviating FSS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yannick Rothacher
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Psychological Methods, Evaluation and Statistics, Switzerland.
| | - Kay-Uwe Hanusch
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Switzerland.
| | - Urs M Nater
- University of Vienna, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Austria.
| | - Susanne Fischer
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Switzerland.
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Kleinstäuber M, Diefenbach MA, Rief W. "It is not just in your mind" - Improving physician-patient communication in individuals with persistent somatic symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2024; 185:111580. [PMID: 38176986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kleinstäuber
- Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, Logan, USA.
| | - Michael A Diefenbach
- Institute of Health System Science at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 600 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Winfried Rief
- Dept. of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Sahm AHJ, Witthöft M, Bailer J, Mier D. Putting the Vicious Cycle to the Test: Evidence for the Cognitive Behavioral Model of Persistent Somatic Symptoms From an Online Study. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:569-575. [PMID: 38666664 PMCID: PMC11462881 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In clinical practice, persistent somatic symptoms are regularly explained using a cognitive-behavioral model (CBM). In the CBM, predisposing, perpetuating, and precipitating factors are assumed to interact and to cause the onset and endurance of somatic symptoms. However, these models are rarely investigated in their entirety. METHODS We conducted an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 2114 participants from the general German population completed questionnaires that measured different factors of the CBM. We used state negative affectivity and neuroticism as predisposing factors, fear of a COVID-19 infection as the precipitating factor, and somatic symptoms, misinterpretation of bodily symptoms, attention allocation to bodily symptoms, and health anxiety as perpetuating factors. Moreover, we added safety and avoidance behavior as end points to the model. We conducted a psychological network analysis to exploratively study the relationships between the model's different factors and tested the assumptions of the CBM by evaluating a structural equation model (SEM) that incorporated all factors of the model. RESULTS Network analyses revealed clustering in our data: Health anxiety and different cognitive factors are closely related, whereas somatic symptoms and state negative affectivity are strongly associated. Our SEM showed adequate fit. CONCLUSIONS Our findings from an exploratory and a confirmatory approach give empirical support for the CBM, suggesting it as a suitable model to explain bodily symptoms in the general population and to possibly guide clinical practice. The network model additionally indicates the necessity to apply an individualized CBM for patients, depending on a preponderance of either persistent somatic symptoms or health concerns.
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Smakowski A, Hüsing P, Völcker S, Löwe B, Rosmalen JGM, Shedden-Mora M, Toussaint A. Psychological risk factors of somatic symptom disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. J Psychosom Res 2024; 181:111608. [PMID: 38365462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current diagnostic concepts of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in DSM-5 and bodily distress disorder (BDD) in ICD-11 require certain psychological criteria, but researchers have called for further specification. Therefore, in a first step, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the current evidence on psychological factors associated with SSD/BDD and/or disorder-relevant clinical outcomes such as symptom severity and impairment. METHODS Psychological factors were systematically searched using Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Psycinfo via EBSCO. Studies providing original data in English or German, after 2009 were included. Cross-sectional, cohort and case-control studies investigating at least one psychological factor in individuals with SSD/BDD in the context of disorder-relevant outcomes were included. RESULTS Forty-three eligible studies (n = 3760 patients) in SSD (none in BDD) provided data on at least one psychological factor, 37 in case-control format, 10 cross-sectional and 5 longitudinal. Meta-analyses of the case-control studies found patients with SSD to be more impaired by depression (SMD = 1.80), anxiety (SMD = 1.55), health anxiety (SMD = 1.31) and alexithymia (SMD = 1.39), compared to healthy controls. Longitudinal results are scarce, mixed, and require refining, individual studies suggest self-concept of bodily weakness, anxiety and depression to be predictive for persistent SSD and physical functioning. CONCLUSION This review provides a detailed overview of the current evidence of psychological factors in relation to SSD/BDD. Future studies on SSD and BDD should include under-studied psychological factors, such as negative affect, fear avoidance, or emotion regulation. More longitudinal studies are needed to assess the predictive value of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Smakowski
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Paul Hüsing
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Völcker
- Medical School Hamburg, Department of Psychology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Judith G M Rosmalen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation (ICPE), Netherlands
| | - Meike Shedden-Mora
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany; Medical School Hamburg, Department of Psychology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Toussaint
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany.
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Yavrum F, Ezerbolat Ozates M, Ozates S. An important contributing factor in dry eye disease: somatization. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:190. [PMID: 38652333 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Somatization is an important mental process that may causes medically unexplained and treatment-resistant somatic symptoms. The aim of the study is assess the presence of somatization in patients with dry eye disease (DED). METHODS Eighty-eight patients with no objective DED finding and ongoing DED treatment were included in this prospective and observational study. Patients with subjective symptoms formed the symptom group and patients without subjective symptoms formed the control group. All patients were scored with the Turkish version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90R) somatization subscale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Symptom Interpretation Questionnaire (SIQ). RESULTS Mean OSDI score was significantly higher in the symptom group than in the control group. The mean HAM-D and HAM-A outcomes did not differ between the groups. The mean SCL-90R somatization subscale, TAS, and PCS scores were significantly higher in the symptom group than in the control group. In the SIQ, somatic attributional style score was significantly higher in the symptom group than in the control group. The SCL-90R somatization subscale, PCS, and somatic attributional style scores had positive and mild-moderate correlation with OSDI scores in the symptom group. The TAS score had positive and moderate correlation with OSDI scores in all sample analyses. CONCLUSION Somatization should be considered in patients with DED with chronic ocular surface symptoms. Presence of subjective symptoms resistant to treatment may be an indicator of somatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuat Yavrum
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, st. no: 80, Kestel, 07425, Antalya, Turkey.
| | | | - Serdar Ozates
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Okan University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Yap AU, Wee KK, Loh JY, Marpaung C, Natu VP. Temporomandibular disorder pain in older adolescents-young adults: Interrelationship with somatic burden, mental ill-being, and well-being. Cranio 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38415618 DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2024.2322595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The associations of Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain with somatic symptoms, mental ill-being/distress, and well-being were explored, along with the mental correlates of TMD (TS) and somatic symptom (SS) burden in older adolescents-young adults. METHODS TMD/somatic symptoms were appraised with the five quintessential symptoms (5Ts) of the DC/TMD/Somatic Symptom Scale-8, whereas mental distress/well-being was assessed with the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21/Scales of Psychological Well-being-18. Data were examined using Chi-square/non-parametric tests and multivariate analyses (α = .05). RESULTS Among the 366 participants, 51.4%, 28.1%, 6.8%, and 13.7% had no TMD (NT), TMD pain (TP), TMD dysfunction (TD), and combined TMD (CT) respectively. Though mental distress varied substantially (CT, TP>NT, TD), no significant differences in well-being were discerned. SS burden, but not TS burden, was moderately correlated to distress. CONCLUSIONS The prospect of TMD pain was increased by being female, depressed, and anxious but reduced by "positive relations with others" and "self-acceptance".
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Ujin Yap
- Department of Dentistry, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Faculty of Dentistry, National University Health System, Singapore
- National Dental Research Institute Singapore, National Dental Center Singapore and Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Health Services, Singapore
| | - Kai Kee Wee
- School of Health and Social Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - Jia Yu Loh
- School of Health and Social Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - Carolina Marpaung
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Yap AU, Dewi NL, Marpaung C. Psychological characteristics of young adults with temporomandibular disorders, somatization and combined conditions: A multidimensional evaluation. J Oral Rehabil 2023; 50:1382-1392. [PMID: 37605293 DOI: 10.1111/joor.13570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temporomandibular disorders and somatization have shown interrelation in many studies. The physical and psychological factors which contributed to the occurrence and relation of both conditions are yet to be determined. OBJECTIVES The personality traits, coping styles and psychological distress of young adults with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and somatic symptoms were characterized together with the determination of psychological risk factors for TMDs, somatization and combined conditions. METHODS Participants were recruited from university-attending young adults. TMD and somatic symptoms were appraised with the short-form Fonseca Anamnestic Index and Patient Health Questionnaire-15. Psychological variables were assessed with the Big Five Personality Inventory-10, Brief-COPE Inventory and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21. Data were evaluated using chi-squared/non-parametric tests and logistic regression analyses (α = .05). RESULTS Among the 507 participants (mean age 22.2 ± 1.5 years), 46.4% reported no TMD/somatic symptoms (NS) while 7.5%, 34.5% and 11.6% had TMDs only (TS), somatization only (SS) and combined TMDs-somatization (CS), respectively. Significant differences in conscientiousness (NS > SS), agreeableness (NS, TS > CS; NS > SS), dysfunctional coping, general distress, depression, anxiety and stress (CS ≥ SS > NS) were discerned. Multivariate analyses indicated that the odds of TS were increased by anxiety (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.01-1.21), while the odds of SS/CS were affected by anxiety (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.06-1.25/OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.19-1.52) and problem-focused coping (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56-0.89/OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.39-0.78). CONCLUSION Though individuals with TMDs and somatization have dissimilar psychological profiles, anxiety constantly increased their likelihood. Problem-focused coping strategies may help alleviate psychosocial and physical stressors associated with TMDs and somatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Ujin Yap
- Department of Dentistry, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Faculty of Dentistry, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- National Dental Research Institute Singapore, National Dental Centre Singapore and Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ni Luh Dewi
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Carolina Marpaung
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Sauer KS, Witthöft M, Rief W. Somatic Symptom Disorder and Health Anxiety: Assessment and Management. Neurol Clin 2023; 41:745-758. [PMID: 37775202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) and Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) replaced the diagnostic entities of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) somatoform disorders and hypochondriasis. SSD turns away from specifying the presence or absence of a medical condition for presented symptoms and instead focuses on excessive symptom-related affects, cognitions, and behaviors. People with pathological health anxiety can be diagnosed with SSD or IAD, depending on the intensity of accompanying somatic symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy shows the best empirical evidence for an effective treatment of SSD and IAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline S Sauer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Wallstraße 3, Mainz 55122, Germany.
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Wallstraße 3, Mainz 55122, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Gutenbergstraße 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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Schulz A, Larra Y Ramirez MF, Vögele C, Kölsch M, Schächinger H. The relationship between self-reported chronic stress, physiological stress axis dysregulation and medically-unexplained symptoms. Biol Psychol 2023; 183:108690. [PMID: 37757998 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The positive feedback model of medically-unexplained symptoms posits that chronic stress affects the activity of the physiological stress axes, which in turn generates medically-unexplained symptoms. As a first step to empirically test its model assumptions, we investigated potential associations between chronic stress, physiological stress axis activity and medically-unexplained in a cross-sectional study. One hundred-ninety-nine healthy individuals provided self-reports on chronic stress and medically-unexplained symptoms, resting heart rate/variability (HR/HRV; e.g., root mean square of successive differences/RMSSD, low frequency/LF power), cortisol awakening response (CAR) and diurnal cortisol. Significant positive contributors to medically-unexplained symptoms were the chronic stress scales 'lack of social appreciation' and 'chronic worries', as well as CAR and LF HRV; diurnal cortisol was a negative contributor. Mediation analyses showed that the impact of neural indicators associated with physiological stress axis activity (HR/HRV) related to medically-unexplained symptoms, which was mediated by chronic stress, whereas the mediation effect as suggested by the positive feedback model was not significant. These cross-sectional findings do not support the positive feedback model. Longitudinal studies are required to conclude about potential mechanistic and causal relationships in the model. Nevertheless, our mediation analyses give first indication that the constitution of physiological stress axes may play a major role in how stressors are perceived and which kind of health-consequences (e.g., medically-unexplained symptoms) this may have.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Schulz
- Clinical Psychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Division of Clinical Psychophysiology, Institute of Psychobiology, Trier University, Trier, Germany; Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Trier University, Trier, Germany.
| | - Mauro F Larra Y Ramirez
- Division of Clinical Psychophysiology, Institute of Psychobiology, Trier University, Trier, Germany; Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Claus Vögele
- Clinical Psychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Monika Kölsch
- Division of Clinical Psychophysiology, Institute of Psychobiology, Trier University, Trier, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schächinger
- Division of Clinical Psychophysiology, Institute of Psychobiology, Trier University, Trier, Germany
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Fischer S, Kleinstäuber M, Fiori LM, Turecki G, Wagner J, von Känel R. DNA Methylation Signatures of Functional Somatic Syndromes: Systematic Review. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:672-681. [PMID: 37531610 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are highly prevalent across all levels of health care. The fact that they are characterized by medically unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, raises the important question of their underlying pathophysiology. Psychosocial stress represents a significant factor in the development of FSS and can induce long-term modifications at the epigenetic level. The aim of this review was to systematically review, for the first time, whether individuals with FSS are characterized by specific alterations in DNA methylation. METHODS MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched from the first available date to September 2022. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) adults fulfilling the research diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, and/or irritable bowel syndrome; b) healthy control group; and c) candidate-gene or genome-wide study of DNA methylation. RESULTS Sixteen studies ( N = 957) were included. In candidate-gene studies, specific sites within NR3C1 were identified, which were hypomethylated in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with healthy controls. In genome-wide studies in chronic fatigue syndrome, a hypomethylated site located to LY86 and hypermethylated sites within HLA-DQB1 were found. In genome-wide studies in fibromyalgia syndrome, differential methylation in sites related to HDAC4 , TMEM44 , KCNQ1 , SLC17A9 , PRKG1 , ALPK3 , TFAP2A , and LY6G5C was found. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome seem to be characterized by altered DNA methylation of genes regulating cellular signaling and immune functioning. In chronic fatigue syndrome, there is preliminary evidence for these to be implicated in key pathophysiological alterations, such as hypocortisolism and low-grade inflammation, and to contribute to the debilitating symptoms these individuals experience. PREREGISTRATION PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022364720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fischer
- From the Institute of Psychology (Fischer), Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (Kleinstäuber), Utah State University, Logan, Utah; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center (Fiori, Turecki), Montréal, Canada; Department of Psychiatry (Turecki), McGill University, Montréal, Canada; and Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine (Wagner, von Känel). University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Weigel A, Hüsing P, Junge M, Löwe B. Helpful explanatory models for persistent somatic symptoms (HERMES): Results of a three-arm randomized-controlled pilot trial. J Psychosom Res 2023; 172:111419. [PMID: 37352693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This three-arm randomized controlled trial aimed to test the efficacy of an etiological model for persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) translated into video-animated explanatory models in comparison to a control group, and to examine additional value of personalization of the explanatory models (i.e. possibility to choose information based on mechanisms of symptom persistence). METHODS Outpatients with PSS were shown one of three 15-min video animations: a) explanatory model without personalization, b) explanatory model with personalization, c) no explanatory model control group. Changes in somatic symptom severity (PHQ-15) and psychological burden related to somatic symptoms or associated health concerns (SSD-12) from baseline to one-month follow-up were the primary outcome. Health-related quality of life (SF-12) and perceived usefulness (USE) were also assessed. RESULTS Seventy-five patients with PSS were allocated to the study arms (Mage = 44.2 ± 13.3 years, 56% female). The study arms did not differ significantly on the primary outcomes. However, no explanatory model participants reported significantly greater mental quality of life improvements than explanatory model without personalization participants (Mdiff = 7.50 [0.43; 14.56]). Further, explanatory model with personalization participants rated the individual fit of the intervention significantly higher than no explanatory model participants (Mdiff = 2.05 [0.17; 3.93]). All groups rated credibility of the intervention as very high. CONCLUSION The HERMES materials seemed to have been too brief to improve symptom related outcomes. However, all three interventions were positively evaluated regarding their usefulness, particularly in case of additional personalization. Future studies should investigate potential effects of an increased intervention dose. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00018803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Weigel
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Paul Hüsing
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Junge
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Bernd Löwe
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany.
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Sattel H, Häuser W, Schmalbach B, Brähler E, Henningsen P, Hausteiner-Wiehle C. Functional Somatic Disorders, Their Subtypes, and Their Association With Self-Rated Health in the German General Population. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:366-375. [PMID: 36917486 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The heterogeneous conceptualizations and classifications of persistent and troublesome physical symptoms impede their adequate clinical management. Functional somatic disorder (FSD) is a recently suggested interface concept that is etiologically neutral and allows for dysfunctional psychobehavioral characteristics as well as somatic comorbidity. However, its prevalence and impact are not yet known. METHODS We analyzed 2379 participants (mean age = 48.3 years, 52.5% female) from a representative German community survey using operationalized FSD criteria. These criteria defined FSD types based on somatic symptom count, type, and severity assessed by the Bodily Distress Syndrome Checklist. In addition, the associations of those types with health concerns, comorbidity, psychological distress, and self-rated health were determined. RESULTS There were four clearly demarcated groups with no relevant bothering symptoms, with one or with few bothering symptoms from one organ system, and with multiple bothering symptoms from at least two organ systems. Psychological distress, health concerns, and comorbidity steadily increased, and self-rated health decreased according to the number and severity of symptoms. Somatic symptom burden, health concerns, and comorbidity independently predicted self-rated health, with no interaction effect between the latter two. CONCLUSIONS Our data support an FSD concept with two severity grades according to persistent and troublesome symptoms in one versus more organ systems. The delimitation of subtypes with psychobehavioral characteristics and/or with somatic comorbidity seems useful, while still allowing the demarcation of a group of participants with high symptom burden but without those additional characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heribert Sattel
- From the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (Sattel, Henningsen, Hausteiner-Wiehle), Technical University of Munich, Munich; Department of Internal Medicine 1 (Häuser), Klinikum Saarbrücken, Saarbrücken; Departments of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology (Schmalbach) and Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (Brähler), University of Mainz, Mainz; Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit (Brähler), University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig; and Department of Neurology (Hausteiner-Wiehle), BGTrauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
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Ommerborn MA, Özbek A, Grunwald M, Depprich RA, Walentek NP, Franken M, Schäfer R. Effects on general pain perception and dental pulp sensibility in probable sleep bruxism subjects by experimentally induced pain in a pilot study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5836. [PMID: 37037840 PMCID: PMC10086053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this pilot study, the general pain perception and the dental pulp sensibility of probable sleep bruxism (SB) subjects were compared with that of non-SB subjects. The cold pressor test (CPT), electric pulp test (EPT), and thermal pulp test with CO2 snow were executed by one trained dentist (blind to SB diagnosis). A one-factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with SB diagnosis as independent variable and standardized measures regarding pain perception and evaluation was performed. One-hundred-and-five participants (53 SB and 52 non-SB subjects) were included. The one-factorial MANOVA revealed a significant difference between SB and non-SB subjects (p = 0.01) concerning pain perception variables. Post-hoc univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant lower general pain tolerance (p = 0.02), higher general subjective sensibility of the teeth (p < 0.01), and a statistical trend for higher subjective dental pain intensity (p = 0.07) in SB subjects. In most of the standardized variables, probable SB subjects seem to react and feel similar to non-SB subjects. However, as probable SB subjects subjectively perceive their teeth to be more sensitive and tend to rate their subjective dental pain intensity more intensely after CO2 testing, data might point to a somatosensory amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Alicia Ommerborn
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Adem Özbek
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maike Grunwald
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rita Antonia Depprich
- Department of Cranio- and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole Pascale Walentek
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Franken
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralf Schäfer
- Clinical Institute of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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15
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Selinheimo S, Keinonen K, Vuokko A, Liesto S, Sainio M, Lappalainen R, Paunio T. A randomized controlled trial protocol for persistent physical symptoms associated with indoor environment or chronic fatigue: Effectiveness of video-based functional case conceptualization and web-program for improving quality of life. Front Psychol 2023; 13:923532. [PMID: 36687807 PMCID: PMC9853541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) refer to symptoms that cannot be fully explained by structural bodily pathology or by environmental factors. Their impact on daily functioning varies from mild to severe disability. So far, evidence-based treatments for PPS have resulted in only small to moderate effects. Treatment protocols with a stronger orientation toward personalized approaches are needed to improve the efficacy and applicability of treatment. In this study, we aim to assess the effect of an online individual case conceptualization with web-based program for PPS. This study is conducted among two focus groups: patients with indoor air-related symptoms and patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Methods and analyses Using a randomized controlled design (RCT) with two parallel groups in a 1:1 ratio, we will compare individual video-based case conceptualization with a web-based program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combined with treatment as usual, with treatment as usual only. The web-based program consists of ten modules, each lasting 1 week and including training. The planned sample size is 124 eligible patients without attrition. The primary outcome will be the health-related quality of life as measured by the 15D questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures will include questionnaires on psychiatric and physical symptoms, illness perceptions, psychological flexibility, and work ability. We will also use national registers to obtain information on the use of healthcare and social benefits to complete patient-reported outcomes. Data collection began in August 2020 and will continue until 2023. Discussion This trial will provide information on the effects and usefulness of an online administrated individual case conceptualization and an ACT-based web-program on PPS. Ethics and dissemination The Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland, has granted approval for the study. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Clinical Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04532827 preresults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Selinheimo
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland,*Correspondence: Sanna Selinheimo,
| | | | - Aki Vuokko
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Liesto
- Outpatient Clinic for Functional Disorders, HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Sainio
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland,Outpatient Clinic for Functional Disorders, HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo Lappalainen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tiina Paunio
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Psychiatry and SleepWell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Im H, Swan LET. Trauma exposure, social functioning, and common mental health disorders in Somali refugee male and female youth: An SEM analysis. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1539-1551. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1177/00207640211037726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Refugee youth often face numerous adversities before and during forced migration. Although experiences vary across settings and subpopulations, common mental disorders are prevalent among refugee youth who are displaced in low- and middle-income countries. It is important to examine how risk factors are intricately linked and contribute to common mental health issues to inform clinical practice and social policy. Aims: This study aims to test the pathways from risk factors previously identified as determinants of Somali refugee youth mental health (i.e. trauma exposure, substance use, social functioning, aggression) to symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and somatic pains. Method: We collected survey data in 2013, using snowball sampling to recruit Somali refugee youth (15–35 years old) living in Eastleigh, Kenya. We ran three structural equation models to assess paths from trauma exposure to mental health symptoms, through psychosocial factors including substance use, aggression, and functional impairment. We first conducted this analysis with a mixed-gender sample ( N = 305) and then assessed gender differences by running one model for male participants ( n = 124) and another for female participants ( n = 181). Results: In the mixed-gender sample, trauma exposure directly predicted substance use and both directly and indirectly predicted aggression, functional impairment, and mental health symptoms. Substance use directly predicted aggression and functional impairment, and substance use both directly and indirectly predicted mental health symptoms. The split-gender models revealed gender differences, with only functional impairment directly predicting mental health symptoms in the male sample and with many significant direct and indirect pathways in the female sample. Conclusions: This study shows the role of trauma exposure, substance use, aggression, and social functioning in determining mental health outcomes among refugee youth and how CMD symptoms are differently manifested across genders in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Im
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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17
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Hennemann S, Böhme K, Kleinstäuber M, Ruckes C, Baumeister H, Daniel Ebert D, Küchler AM, Witthöft M. Is Therapist Support Needed? Comparing Therapist- and Self-Guided Internet-Based CBT for Somatic Symptom Distress (iSOMA) in Emerging Adults. Behav Ther 2022; 53:1205-1218. [PMID: 36229117 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Persistent somatic symptoms of varying etiology are very common in emerging adults and can lead to distress and impairment. Internet-delivered interventions could help to prevent the burden and chronicity of persistent somatic symptoms. This study investigated the impact of therapist guidance on the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral Internet intervention for somatic symptom distress (iSOMA) in emerging adults, as a secondary analysis of a two-armed randomized controlled trial. We included 149 university students (83.2% female, 24.60 yrs) with varying degrees of somatic symptom distress who were either allocated to the 8-week intervention with regular, written therapeutic guidance (iSOMA guided) or to the control group (waitlist), which was afterwards crossed over to receive iSOMA with guidance-on-demand (iSOMA-GoD). Primary outcomes were somatic symptom distress (assessed by the PHQ-15) and psychobehavioral symptoms of the somatic symptom disorder (assessed by the SSD-12) at pre- and post-treatment. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and disability. Both treatments showed statistically significant pre-post improvements in primary (iSOMA-guided: d = 0.86-0.92, iSOMA-GoD: d = 0.55-0.63) and secondary outcomes. However, intention-to-treat analysis revealed non-significant between-group effects for all outcomes (ps ≥ .335), after controlling for confounding variables, and effect sizes were marginal (d = -0.06 to 0.12). Overall, our findings indicate that Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy with regular guidance is not unequivocally superior to guidance-on-demand in alleviating somatic symptom distress and associated psychopathology in emerging adults. As a next step, non-inferiority studies are needed to test the robustness of these findings and their impact on clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Utah State University, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
| | - Christian Ruckes
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Trials, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Künzel
- Psychosomatische Beratungsstelle / Ambulanz, Klinikum Innenstadt d. LMU München, Pettenkoferstraße 8 a, 80336, München, Deutschland.
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Abasi I, Ghapanchi A, Toussaint A, Bitarafan M, Zarabi H, Derakhshan FS, Banihashem S, Mohammadi N, Ghasemzadeh MR, Derakhshan MK. Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the somatic symptom disorder-B Criteria Scale (SSD-12) in community and clinical samples. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2022; 78:1-8. [PMID: 35728363 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the DSM-5's diagnostic criteria of somatic symptom disorders (SSD), the presence of psychological problems (i.e., excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors) is emphasized more than the absence of the medical causes of patients' bothersome symptoms. In this regard, the Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale (SSD-12) is a screening tool for assessing these psychological features in somatic symptom disorder. This study aimed to validate the Persian version of SSD-12 in the Iranian community (non-clinical) and clinical samples. METHODS Data was gathered from 291 individuals in a community sample (aged 18 to 54, M-age = 36.62, SD = 10.56, 79.7% females) and from clinical setting, including 118 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD, aged 18 to 60, M-age = 36.52, SD = 11.39, 75.8% females) and 120 patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders (aged 18 to 60, M-age = 35.17, SD = 8.77, 73.7% females). To assess the convergent validity of SSD-12 in the clinical samples, participants were asked to complete measures assessing anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, health anxiety, and emotional regulation. RESULTS Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) showed that the three-factor model of the SSD-12 reached acceptable fit in the community and clinical samples and yielded excellent internal consistency across the samples. Also, test-retest reliability analysis results were good in the community sample. Convergent validity could be shown in the clinical samples. A cut-off score greater than 14 was in the optimal state with a sensitivity of 70.83 and a specificity of 70.07. CONCLUSION The current study provides evidence on the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Persian SSD-12 in the Iranian community and clinical samples. A sum score of 14 can be recommended as the cut-off point. Further studies are needed to assess SSD-12 in different clinical populations and larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imaneh Abasi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ala Ghapanchi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Anne Toussaint
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maryam Bitarafan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Zarabi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyedshahab Banihashem
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Taleqani Hospital Research Development Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niush Mohammadi
- Psychiatric, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Kamran Derakhshan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Taleqani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Schnabel K, Petzke TM, Witthöft M. The emotion regulation process in somatic symptom disorders and related conditions - A systematic narrative review. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 97:102196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Raemen L, Claes L, Verschueren M, Van Oudenhove L, Vandekerkhof S, Triangle I, Luyckx K. Personal identity, somatic symptoms, and symptom-related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: Exploring associations and mechanisms in adolescents and emerging adults. SELF AND IDENTITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2022.2063371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leni Raemen
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurence Claes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sarah Vandekerkhof
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Resilient People, Ucll Research and Expertise, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ine Triangle
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Luyckx
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- UNIBS, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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22
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Haun MW, Tönnies J, Graue L, Hartmann M, Wensing M, Szecsenyi J, Wild B, Friederich HC. Mental health specialist video consultations for patients with somatic symptom disorder in primary care: protocol for a randomised feasibility trial (the VISION trial). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058150. [PMID: 35410935 PMCID: PMC9003599 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION General practitioners (GP) report increasing difficulties in referring patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in specialised psychosocial care. Barriers are structural conditions of the respective healthcare system and patients' reservations against receiving specialised psychosocial care. As patients with SSD often predominantly assume somatic influencing factors for the development and maintenance of their somatic complaints, close collaboration between the GP and mental health specialist (MHS) seems particularly important. Integrating internet-based video consultations by remotely located MHS and primary care can improve effective treatment of patients with SSD by overcoming structural barriers and provide low-threshold and timely care. The aim of this randomised controlled feasibility trial is to investigate the feasibility of implementing MHS video consultations in primary care practices. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Fifty primary care patients with SSD will be individually randomised in two groups receiving either enhanced treatment as usual as provided by their GP (control group) or two versus five video consultations conducted by an MHS additionally to enhanced treatment as usual. The video consultations focus on (a) diagnostic clarification, (b) the development of a biopsychosocial disorder model, and (c) development of a treatment plan against the background of a stepped-care algorithm based on clinical outcomes. We will investigate the following outcomes: effectiveness of the recruitment strategies, patient acceptance of randomisation, practicability of the technical and logistical processes related to implementing video consultations in the practices' workflows, feasibility of the data collection and clinical parameters. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial has undergone ethical scrutiny and has been approved by the Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg Ethics Committee (S-620/2021). The findings will be disseminated to the research community through presentations at conferences and publications in scientific journals. This feasibility trial will prepare the ground for a large-scale, fully powered randomised controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00026075.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus W Haun
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Justus Tönnies
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leike Graue
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Hartmann
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Wild
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Hennemann S, Witthöft M, Kleinstäuber M, Böhme K, Baumeister H, Ebert DD, Probst T. Somatosensory amplification moderates the efficacy of internet-delivered CBT for somatic symptom distress in emerging adults: Exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial. J Psychosom Res 2022; 155:110761. [PMID: 35182889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While studies mainly provide positive evidence for the efficacy of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) for various persistent somatic symptoms, it remains largely unclear for whom these interventions work or not. This exploratory analysis aimed to identify moderators for the outcome between ICBT for somatic symptom distres and a waitlist control group (WL) in a vulnerable target group of emerging adults. METHODS Based on data from a randomized controlled trial on 156 university students with varying degrees of somatic symptom distress who were allocated to either an eight-week, therapist guided ICBT (iSOMA) or to the WL, we examined pretreatment demographic characteristics, health-related variables (e.g., somatic symptom duration), mental distress (e.g., depression, anxiety) and cognitive-emotional factors (emotional reactivity, somatosensory amplification) as candidate moderators of the outcome, somatic symptom distress (assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-15) from pre- to posttreatment. RESULTS Somatosensory amplification (assessed by the Somatosensory Amplification Scale, SSAS) moderated the outcome in favor of iSOMA (B = -0.17, SE = 0.08, p = 0.031), i.e., higher pretreatment somatosensory amplification was associated with better outcome in the active compared to the control intervention. No significant moderation effects were found among demographic characteristics, health-related variables, or mental distress. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that an internet-delivered CBT for somatic symptom distress should be preferred over no active treatment particularly in individuals with moderate to high levels of somatosensory amplification, which as a next step should be tested against further treatments and in clinical populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00014375).
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Hennemann
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Utah State University, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Department of Psychology, Logan (Utah), USA
| | - Katja Böhme
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Ulm University, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Daniel Ebert
- Technical University of Munich, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, München, Germany
| | - Thomas Probst
- Danube University Krems, Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Krems, Austria
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Poor respiratory health outcomes associated with high illness worry and alexithymia: Eleven-year prospective cohort study among the working-age population. J Psychosom Res 2022; 155:110751. [PMID: 35152185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor respiratory health outcomes have been associated with poorer physical health and higher psychological distress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether illness worry, alexithymia or low sense of coherence predict i) the onset of new respiratory disease, ii) respiratory symptoms or iii) lung function among the working-age population, independently of comorbidity mood-, anxiety, or alcohol abuse disorders. METHODS The study was conducted among a nationally representative sample of the Finnish population (BRIF8901) aged 30-54 years (N = 2310) in 2000-2001 and was followed up in 2011. Individuals with a diagnosed respiratory disease or a severe psychiatric disorder at baseline were excluded. Lung function was measured by a spirometry test and psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using a structured clinical interview. Structured questionnaires were used to measure self-reported respiratory symptoms and diseases, illness worry, alexithymia, and sense of coherence. RESULTS High illness worry predicted an 11-year incidence of asthma (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09-1.99, p = 0.01). Alexithymia predicted shortness of breath (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.53, p < 0.01) and 11-year incidence of COPD (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.37-5.88, p < 0.01), even after several adjustments for physical and mental health. Psychological dispositions did not associate with lung function in 2011. CONCLUSIONS In the general population, psychological factors that modify health behaviour predicted adverse respiratory health outcomes independently of lung function after 11 years of follow-up. This indicates that considering them part of personalized treatment planning is important for promoting health-related behaviour among the working-age population.
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Pereira S, Mathias T, J S, Jacob J. Prevalence of Somatic Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Married Women Having a Distant Relationship With Their Spouses in Mangalore, India. Cureus 2022; 14:e21192. [PMID: 35165633 PMCID: PMC8839445 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Married women having a distant relationship with their husbands are prone to mental disorders like somatic symptoms, eventually reducing their quality of life (QoL). Objective: To assess the somatic symptoms and quality of life among married women having a distant relationship with their spouses. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. Women having a distant relationship were selected using snowball sampling from selected urban areas of Mangalore, Karnataka. The Scale for Assessment of Somatic Symptoms (SASS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL)-BREF questionnaire were used to assess somatic symptoms and quality of life, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictors of somatic symptoms and QoL. Results: Out of 100 married women with a distant relationship, 83% experienced at least one symptom at a moderate/severe level, whereas the prevalence of somatic symptoms was 30% (at least one symptom at a severe level). Among these 30 women, the majority were in the age groups of 25-30 (32%) and 31-35 (30%). The somatic symptoms had a negative association with Christians (p<0.05), whereas they were positively associated with women living in nuclear families (p<0.05) and marriages of less than 3 years (p<0.05). Among the four domains of WHOQOL-BREF, the highest QoL was seen in the social domain (61.06 ± 18.58), the lowest was seen in the psychological domain (54.78 ± 13.05). Conclusion: Women who have a distant relationship with their husbands manifest somatic symptoms which decrease their quality of life. This emphasizes the need to use different approaches during hospital visits and community-oriented programs to identify and improve mental health among married women and wellbeing in the family.
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Xiao X, Yang X, Zheng W, Wang B, Fu L, Luo D, Hu Y, Ju N, Xu H, Fang Y, Fong Chan PS, Xu Z, Chen P, He J, Zhu H, Tang H, Huang D, Hong Z, Hao Y, Cai L, Ye S, Yuan J, Xiao F, Yang J, Wang Z, Zou H. Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic growth among COVID-19 survivors six-month after discharge. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2055294. [PMID: 35401948 PMCID: PMC8986234 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2055294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-hospitalisation, hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation factors may significantly affect depression, anxiety and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among COVID-19 survivors. OBJECTIVE Our study investigated depression, anxiety and PTG and their correlates among COVID-19 survivors. METHOD A cross-sectional telephone survey recruited 199 COVID-19 patients (Mean age = 42.7; 53.3% females) at six-month follow-up after hospital discharge in five Chinese cities (i.e. Wuhan, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Dongguan and Nanning). Their demographic information, clinical records and experiences during (e.g. severity of covid-19 symptoms, treatment and exposure to other patients' suffering) and after hospitalisation (e.g. perceived impact of covid-19, somatic symptoms after hospitalisation), and psychosocial factors (e.g. perceived discrimination, self-stigma, affiliate stigma, resilience and social support) were investigated. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scale, respectively. PTG was examined by the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) instrument. RESULTS The proportion of depressive symptoms <5, ≥5 and <10, ≥10 were 76.9%, 12.0% and 11.1%, respectively. The proportion of anxiety symptoms <5, ≥5 and <10, ≥10 were 77.4%, 15.1% and 7.5%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that receiving mental health care services during hospitalisation, somatic symptoms after discharge, perceived affiliate stigma and perceived impact of being infected with COVID-19 were significantly and positively associated with probable depression. Significant correlates of probable anxiety also included permanent residents of the city, somatic symptoms after discharge, perceived impact of being infected with COVID-19 and self-stigma. Social support, self-stigma and receiving mental health care services during hospitalisation were positively associated with PTG.Conclusions: The results suggest that post-hospitalisation and psychosocial factors had relatively stronger associations with depression, anxiety and PTG than pre-hospitalisation and hospitalisation factors. Promoting social support and social inclusion may be useful strategies to improve the mental health of COVID-19 survivors. HIGHLIGHTS • Post-hospitalisation and psychosocial factors had relatively stronger associations with depression, anxiety and PTG than pre-hospitalisation and hospitalisation factors, promoting social support and social inclusion may be useful strategies to improve mental health of COVID-19 survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.,Center for Optometry and Visual Science, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Yang
- Faculty of Medicine, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiran Zheng
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Leiwen Fu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Hu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Niu Ju
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Xu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Paul Shing Fong Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Chen
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaoling He
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongqiong Zhu
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiwen Tang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dixi Huang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongsi Hong
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanrong Hao
- Department of scientific research, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianying Cai
- Department of education, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Shupei Ye
- Dongguan Songshan Lake Central Hospital, Dongguan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Yuan
- Shenzhen Nanshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Xiao
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianrong Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreas and Spleen Surgery, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixin Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.,School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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The effects of music listening on somatic symptoms and stress markers in the everyday life of women with somatic complaints and depression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24062. [PMID: 34911978 PMCID: PMC8674261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03374-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a growing body of literature documenting the health-beneficial effects of music, empirical research on the effects of music listening in individuals with psychosomatic disorders is scarce. Using an ambulatory assessment design, we tested whether music listening predicts changes in somatic symptoms, subjective, and biological stress levels, and examined potential mediating processes, in the everyday life of 58 women (M = 27.7 years) with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and depressive disorders (DEP). Multilevel models revealed that music listening predicted lower subjective stress ratings (p ≤ 0.02) irrespective of mental health condition, which, in turn, predicted lower somatic symptoms (p ≤ 0.03). Moreover, specific music characteristics modulated somatic symptoms (p = 0.01) and autonomic activity (p = 0.03). These findings suggest that music listening might mitigate somatic symptoms predominantly via a reduction in subjective stress in women with SSD and DEP and further inform the development of targeted music interventions applicable in everyday life.
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Seesing A, Löwe B, Shedden-Mora M. [Mental and Somatic Health Care Use in Persistent Somatic Symptoms: 4-Year Follow Up of the Network for Somatoform and Functional Disorders (Sofu-Net)]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2021; 72:179-188. [PMID: 34820822 DOI: 10.1055/a-1663-6647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stepped, coordinated, interdisciplinary Health Network for Somatoform and Functional Disorders (Sofu-Net) was developed to provide guideline-based care for patients with somatoform and functional disorders. This controlled cluster cohort study evaluated patients' mental and somatic health care use, clinical outcomes, and their predictors at 4-years follow-up. METHOD 219 patients at risk for somatoform disorders from Sofu-Net practices (n=119) and control practices (n=100) were resurveyed after 4 years using structured interviews. Outcomes were mental and somatic health care use, somatic symptom burden and depressive symptoms. RESULTS 127 patients (n=74 Sofu-Net, n=53 controls) were followed up. Compared with the control group, Sofu-Net patients were significantly more likely to be referred to psychotherapy (55.4 vs. 35.8%). Younger age and more frequent GP consultations on the occasion of psychosocial problems predicted mental health care use. No difference was found between the two groups in the severity of clinical symptoms or in the extent of somatic health care use. Significant predictors were the number of somatic diseases, increased fear of illness, female gender, increased depressive symptomatology, low physical and mental quality of life. DISCUSSION In the long term, the coordinated and interdisciplinary network structure succeeded in more successfully referring high-risk patients to psychotherapy. The role of the primary care physician proved to be important. However, this was not accompanied by an improvement in the patients' clinical condition or a decrease in outpatient physician utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Seesing
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
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Ionescu CG, Talasman AA, Badarau IA. Somatization and Sleep Quality on Patients with Comorbid Anxiety/Depression. MÆDICA 2021; 16:246-254. [PMID: 34621347 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2021.16.2.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: Somatization is a common symptom among patients with comorbid anxiety and depression. It is associated with poorer outcome, long-term evolution, worse sleep patterns and an overall lower quality of life. Previous studies suggest that sleep disturbances exacerbate somatization, which in turn negatively affects sleep. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between anxiety/depression and somatization/sleep quality in hospitalized psychiatric patients. Methods:Participants comprised 103 hospitalized patients with somatic symptoms disorder as major diagnosis and anxiety and depression disorders as comorbid diagnoses. All subjects were given SOMS-2 and SOMS-7 (Screening for Somatoform Symptoms) for somatization symptoms, HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) for anxiety, HAM-D 17 (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) for depression and PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) for sleep quality. The Somatic Symptom Disorder-B criteria scale (SSD-12) has been also used for the psychological impact of somatization. The same scales were administered to a control group of 77 participants by trained physicians. Results:There was a negative correlation between the scores of HAM-A/HAM-D scales and those of SSD-12. Also, positive associations between the scores of anxiety and depression scales in patients with sleep disturbances were found. Sleep scores being assessed with PSQI were significantly higher after hospitalization in 80% of participants and did not correlate with neither anxiety/depression nor somatization. In the participant group, SOMS-2 results were not correlated with any social and demographic variables. All scales scores were worse in the study group than the control group. Conclusion:Anxiety and depression symptoms may be associated with higher somatization symptoms but not with the psychological impact of somatization. Also, somatization may not directly impact sleep quality scores. Further approaches are needed to better understand the relationship between sleep quality and somatization, on one hand, and its modulation by comorbid psychiatric disorders, on the other hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu G Ionescu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Physiology Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana A Talasman
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Psychiatry Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana A Badarau
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Physiology Department, Bucharest, Romania
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30
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Doerr JM, Nater UM, Feneberg AC, Mewes R. Differential associations between fatigue and psychobiological stress measures in women with depression and women with somatic symptom disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105343. [PMID: 34214864 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medically unexplained fatigue is a burdensome, widespread symptom, and a frequent complaint in depressive disorders (DDs) as well as somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Heightened stress levels are a likely cause of fatigue, although the temporal associations, as well as the role of the stress-reactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, are not yet completely understood. We were interested in the differences between DD and SSD regarding general, mental, and physical fatigue, as well as associations between psychobiological stress measures (representing different time frames) and fatigue in these groups. METHODS Fifty-eight women (29 with DD, 29 with SSD) reported subjective recent fatigue and chronic stress levels, as well as levels of depression and somatic complaints using baseline questionnaires. Furthermore, they completed an ambulatory assessment period comprising measurements of fatigue, subjective stress, and salivary cortisol five times a day for 14 consecutive days. Salivary cortisol was obtained as a measure of within-day HPA axis activity, and hair cortisol concentration was obtained as a measure of accumulated HPA axis activity of the preceding three months. RESULTS Women with DD reported higher levels of general and mental fatigue than did women with SSD, which was explained by their higher level of depression. Physical fatigue levels did not differ between groups. In both groups, momentary general, mental, and physical fatigue levels were associated with momentary subjective stress but not with chronic stress. Momentary salivary cortisol levels were positively associated with mental fatigue, while hair cortisol concentration was not. CONCLUSIONS There are differences in fatigue profiles between DD and SSD, which should be accounted for in future research and practice (e.g., individualized treatment strategies focusing on mental or physical fatigue, depending on which fatigue dimension is prominent).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Doerr
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Gießen, Germany.
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja C Feneberg
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ricarda Mewes
- Outpatient Unit for Research, Teaching and Practice, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Berens S, Schaefert R, Ehrenthal JC, Baumeister D, Gauss A, Eich W, Tesarz J. The Validity of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Patients With Gastrointestinal Complaints. J Clin Gastroenterol 2021; 55:e66-e76. [PMID: 33780221 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND GOAL The current diagnostic concept of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) aims to capture psychological burden due to bodily complaints independent of the medical cause. The aim of this study was to compare patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) complaints with SSD (SSD+) and without SSD (SSD-) along sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics. STUDY This cross-sectional study included 199 patients (n=92 SSD+ and n=107 SSD-) with distressing and chronic abdominal/lower GI complaints (≥6 mo) recruited from several primary, secondary, and tertiary medical care units. SSD+ patients were separated from SSD- patients by psychobehavioral positive criteria. Psychological distress (somatization, depression, anxiety, and illness anxiety) and risk factors (adverse childhood experiences, insecure attachment, mentalizing capacity, and levels of personality functioning) were measured. Nonparametric group comparisons were performed to analyze the differences of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics between SSD+ and SSD- patients. RESULTS About half of the SSD+ patients had a functional GI disorder and a third had an inflammatory bowel disease. SSD+ patients reported higher GI pain severity, higher health-related and work-related impairment, and higher psychological distress, especially illness anxiety, as well as higher mentalizing and personality functioning deficits. CONCLUSIONS Overall, psychobehavioral positive criteria of SSD seem to be a valid identifier of patients exhibiting a high psychological burden, independent of the medical explanation of the GI complaints. There is a substantial overlap of SSD and general mental burden, but also evidence for a specific disease entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Berens
- Institute of Psychology
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University
| | - Rainer Schaefert
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - David Baumeister
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University
| | - Annika Gauss
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg
| | - Wolfgang Eich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University
| | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University
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Tian P, Ma Y, Hu J, Zhou C, Liu X, Chen Q, Dang H, Zou H. Clinical and psychobehavioral features of outpatients with somatic symptom disorder in otorhinolaryngology clinics. J Psychosom Res 2021; 148:110550. [PMID: 34175726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the Otorhinolaryngology Department, patients exhibiting somatic symptoms without a medical cause are frequently neglected and left untreated. The aim of this study was to characterize the psychosomatic features of outpatients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) to better identify patients needing treatment. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 883 consecutive patients with medically unexplained symptoms. A semistructured clinical interview was employed to confirm the diagnosis of SSD. Data, including sociodemographic and clinical measures, were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and Somatic Symptom Scale-China (SSS-CN) were used to assess the severity of somatic symptoms; the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression; the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) was used to assess anxiety; and the 12-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-12) was used to assess quality of life (QoL). RESULTS Based on the DSM-5 criteria, 641 patients were placed in the SSD group, and 212 were placed in the normal group. Compared with the normal group, the SSD group had significantly more doctor visits, longer symptom durations, higher GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores, and lower physical composite scores (PCSs) and mental composite scores (MCSs). Spearman's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses showed that the SSS-CN score, PHQ-15 score and the patient's subjective feeling that his or her daily life was affected by the disorder were significant risk factors for low PCSs; the SSS-CN, PHQ-15, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores were independent risk factors for low MCSs. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that SSD patients are not rare in otorhinolaryngology clinics in China and that their QoL is significantly affected by SSD. Otolaryngologists should thoroughly evaluate these patients from the perspective of psychosomatic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107, Yan Jiang Xi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107, Yan Jiang Xi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwu Hu
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No. 1023. South Shatai Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Guangzhou Psychiatric Hospital, No. 36, Ming Xin Road, Fangcun, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107, Yan Jiang Xi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiujian Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107, Yan Jiang Xi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Dang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107, Yan Jiang Xi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hua Zou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107, Yan Jiang Xi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, People's Republic of China.
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Shahini N, Ghasemzadeh M, Javan M, Salimi Z. Evaluation of the COVID-19 pandemic effect on the development of somatic symptoms in patients with mood disorders: a case-control study. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 43:100917. [PMID: 34603735 PMCID: PMC8463032 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic symptoms are one of the most common complaints among patients with psychiatric disorders and are considered as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the new coronavirus pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical symptoms in patients with mood disorders and compare it with healthy individuals. In this case-control study, 67 patients with mood disorders were referred to the psychiatric clinic of 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan, who met the inclusion criteria, and 68 healthy individuals as control group were entered into the study. For all participants after informed consent, a demographic information questionnaire was completed along with Screening for Somatic Symptoms-7 (SOMS7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and the data were analysed by SPSS software version 25. The mean score obtained for the SOMS-7 questionnaire for the group of patients with mood disorders and the control group was 32.37 ± 8.19 and 35.42 ± 11.3, respectively. The mean obtained for the PHQ-15 questionnaire for the mood disorders group and the control group was 8.56 ± 5.93 and 5.86 ± 4.63, respectively. In the mood disorder group, 26.9% of patients had no risk for physical symptoms, 31.3% of patients had a low risk, 25.4% of patients had a moderate risk, and 16.4% of patients had a high risk for physical symptoms. The statistical test showed that although the risk of physical symptoms was high in both groups, this rate was higher in the group with mood disorders, and there is a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The results also showed a significant and direct relationship between the two questionnaires (P < 0.05). According to the results, although the prevalence of somatic symptoms increased in both groups, the prevalence of somatic symptoms is significantly higher in the mood disorder group.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Shahini
- Golestan Research Center of Psychiatry (GRCP), Golestan University of Medical Sciences, GorganIran
| | | | - M. Javan
- Golestan Research Center of Psychiatry (GRCP), Golestan University of Medical Sciences, GorganIran
| | - Z. Salimi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Somatic Symptoms and Sleep Disorders: A Literature Review of Their Relationship, Comorbidities and Treatment. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9091128. [PMID: 34574901 PMCID: PMC8465276 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and sleep disorders, following three research questions: (1) How are these disorders correlated? (2) What are the comorbidities reported in these patients? and (3) What are the most effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for both conditions? PubMed, Scopus, OVID, Medline, and ProQuest databases were searched for relevant articles published between 1957–2020. Search terms included “somatic symptoms disorder”, “sleep disorders”, “insomnia”, “somatoform”, “somatization”, “therapeutic”, “psychotherapy”, and alternative, formerly used terms for SSD. Forty papers were finally included in the study. Prevalence of insomnia in SSD patients ranged between 20.4–48%, with this being strongly correlated to somatic symptoms and psychosocial disability. The most relevant comorbidities were generalized anxiety disorder, depression, fatigue, negative mood, substance use, orthorexia, alexithymia, anorexia, weight loss, poor eating habits, and acute stress disorder. Patients receiving antidepressant therapy reported significant improvements in insomnia and somatic symptoms. In terms of non-pharmacological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) showed improvements in sleep outcomes, while the Specialized Treatment for Severe Bodily Distress Syndromes (STreSS) may represent an additional promising option. Future research could include other medical and psychosocial variables to complete the picture of the relationship between sleep disorders and somatic symptoms.
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Heshmati R, Azmoodeh S, Caltabiano ML. Pathway Linking Different Types of Childhood Trauma to Somatic Symptoms in a Subclinical Sample of Female College Students: The Mediating Role of Experiential Avoidance. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:497-504. [PMID: 34170858 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Research has shown that women are more prone to childhood trauma and this state is associated with somatic symptoms. Also, people who have been exposed to traumatic experiences use experiential avoidance to reduce negative emotions. However, the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between childhood trauma and somatic symptoms is not clear, so, the present study investigated whether the relationships among different types of childhood trauma and somatic symptoms could be explained by experiential avoidance in female college students. In a cross-sectional study, 251 Iranian female college students with somatic symptoms were recruited from the University of Tabriz. Participants completed self-report scales, including the Persian version of Child Abuse Self-Reported Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and the Patient-health questionnaire (PHQ-15). A path analysis was used to empirically explore the relationships. Structural equation modeling analyses confirmed a partial mediation model. Study participants who had a higher level of emotional trauma reported higher levels of somatic symptoms. Emotional and neglect trauma showed significant positive relations with experiential avoidance. Bootstrapping results showed that experiential avoidance partially mediated the relationship between emotional trauma and somatic symptoms. Moreover, the association between neglect and somatic symptoms was fully mediated by experiential avoidance. These findings suggest that experiential avoidance might be one mechanism explaining how adverse emotional and neglect experiences influence somatic symptoms. Interventions addressing experiential avoidance through methods such as emotion-focused therapy and mindfulness are discussed as potential future directions for treating somatic symptoms in females who experienced emotional and neglect trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Heshmati
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz
| | - Shahin Azmoodeh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Marie L Caltabiano
- College of Healthcare Sciences, Division of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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Lehmann M, Pohontsch NJ, Zimmermann T, Scherer M, Löwe B. Diagnostic and treatment barriers to persistent somatic symptoms in primary care - representative survey with physicians. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 33794776 PMCID: PMC8017612 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Many patients consult their primary care physician with persistent somatic symptoms such as pain or sickness. Quite often these consultations and further diagnostic measures yield no medical explanation for the symptoms – patients and physicians are left in uncertainty. In fact, diagnostic and treatment barriers in primary care hinder timely health-care provision for patients suffering from persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). The significance of individual barriers is still unknown. We compare and quantify these barriers from the perspective of primary care physicians and identify subpopulations of primary care physicians who experience particular barriers as most severe. Methods We mailed a questionnaire to primary care physicians (PCP) in Germany and asked them which barriers they consider most important. We invited a random sample of 12,004 primary care physicians in eight federal states in Germany. Physicians provided anonymous mailed or online responses. We also mailed a postcard to announce the survey and a mail reminder. Main measures were Likert rating scales of items relating to barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of PSS in primary care. Information on demography and medical practice were also collected. Results We analyzed 1719 data sets from 1829 respondents. PCPs showed strongest agreement with statements regarding (1.) their lack of knowledge about treatment guidelines, (2.) their perceptions that patients with PSS would expect symptom relief, (3.) their concern to overlook physical disease in these patients, and (4.) their usage of psychotropic drugs with these patients. More experienced PCPs were better able to cope with the possibility of overlooking physical disease than those less experienced. Conclusions The PCPs in our survey answered that the obligation to rule out severe physical disease and the demand to relieve patients from symptoms belong to the most severe barriers for adequate treatment and diagnosis. Moreover, many physicians admitted to not knowing the appropriate treatment guidelines for these patients. Based on our results, raising awareness of guidelines and improving knowledge about the management of persistent somatic symptoms appear to be promising approaches for overcoming the barriers to diagnosis and treatment of persistent somatic symptoms in primary care. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (Deutschen Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do The date the study was registered: October 2nd 2017 The date the first participant was enrolled: February 9th 2018 DRKS-ID: DRKS00012942 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01397-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lehmann
- Clinic and Outpatients Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Nadine Janis Pohontsch
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Zimmermann
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Clinic and Outpatients Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Hüsing P, Löwe B, Olde Hartman TC, Frostholm L, Weigel A. Helpful explanatory models for somatoform symptoms (HERMES): study protocol of a randomised mixed-methods pilot trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044244. [PMID: 33762239 PMCID: PMC7993177 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) are common both in the general population and primary care. They are bothersome in terms of psychological and somatic symptom burden. Health professionals often struggle with communication, as there is a lack of scientifically supported explanatory models for PSS or a focus merely on somatic aspects of the complaints, which both frustrate patients' needs. The objective of the present study is therefore to develop a psychoeducational intervention based on a current evidence-based explanatory model, to examine its feasibility and form the basis for a large-scale randomised controlled trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In a randomised controlled mixed-methods pilot trial, 75 adult psychosomatic outpatients with PSS (duration of symptoms ≥6 months) and accompanying psychological (Somatic Symptom B-Criteria Scale total score ≥18) and somatic symptom burden (Patient Health Questionnaire-15 score >10) and no prior psychosomatic treatment will be eligible. Participants will be presented with either the explanatory model without (intervention group 1, n=25) or with elements of personalisation (intervention group 2, n=25). Participants in the control group (n=25) will receive information on current PSS guidelines. Participants will be blinded to group assignment and interventions will be shown on tablet computers at the outpatient clinic. After 1 month, qualitative follow-up telephone interviews will be conducted. As primary outcomes, mean changes in psychological and somatic symptom burden will quantitatively be compared between groups, respectively. Behavioural change mechanisms and feasibility of the three interventions will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been granted by the medical ethics board of the Hamburg Medical Chamber (PV5653). Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00018803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hüsing
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim C Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Angelika Weigel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Lizhi X, Peng C, Wanhong Z, Shengmei X, Lingjiang L, Li Z, Xiaoping W, Weihui L. Factors Associated With Preference of Psychological Intervention and Mental Status Among Chinese Teachers During Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:704010. [PMID: 34349685 PMCID: PMC8326447 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.704010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: The authors sought to explore the psychological distress of teachers during COVID-19 pandemic and their preference for psychological intervention. The overarching goal was to gain insight on how to build an effective psychological support system for teachers during and after the pandemic. Methods: The mental health condition of teachers (N = 18,521) was assessed online by using a questionnaire consisting of standard instruments PHQ-15, GAD-7, PHQ-2, PC-PTSD, and additional questions about sleep disturbance, suicidality and preference of psychological intervention methods. Results: 35.5% of Chinese teachers reported sleep disturbance, 25.3% complained somatic discomfort, 17.7% had anxiety symptoms, 4.0% had depression, 2.8% had self-injury or suicidal thoughts. Women are more likely to have somatic symptoms, sleep disturbance and depression. There were age differences for anxiety, somatic symptoms and suicidal thoughts. High percentages of university teachers reported moderate to severe anxiety, somatic symptoms, depression and sleep disturbance. The most preferred psychological intervention is the self-practice of stress management skills (N = 11,477, 62.0%). Teachers with moderate and severe symptoms are more likely in need of hotline and online counseling and those with serious suicidal thoughts are three times more likely to use a telephone hotline. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 outbreak, the major reported psychological distresses among Chinese teachers are anxiety, sleep disturbance and somatic symptoms. There were gender, age and school setting differences. Females, teachers over 45 years old and those who work at universities tend to be more vulnerable. Different teachers chose different interventions, mostly based on the severity of their symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lizhi
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Wanhong
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Xu Shengmei
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Li Lingjiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wang Xiaoping
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Weihui
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Schmalbach I, Schmalbach B, Zenger M, Berth H, Albani C, Petrowski K, Brähler E. A Brief Assessment of Body Image Perception: Norm Values and Factorial Structure of the Short Version of the FKB-20. Front Psychol 2020; 11:579783. [PMID: 33335498 PMCID: PMC7736636 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.579783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Body Image Questionnaire-20 (FKB-20) is one of the most applied self-report measures in the context of body image assessment in German-speaking regions. A version of the FKB-20 capturing an ideal concept of body image is also available. A special property of the scale is its high sensitivity for individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa. The present research provided a short version of this scale (for both variants) and examined its validity in a representative sample (N = 2,347) of the German population. We utilized factor analysis methods to identify the optimal short scale of the measure, finding excellent model fit and reliability for a two-factor model (FKB-6) for both real and ideal body image. Both versions of the FKB-6 can be considered invariant across sex and age groups. Good reliability indices were shown for both versions of the FKB-6. The reliability indices were similar to those mentioned in previous studies. Our study also revealed, that large discrepancies between the real and an ideal body image are correlated with somatic and body dysmorphic symptoms. Finally, we provided norm values for comparisons of individual scores with the general population. The FKB-6 is a valid and a reliable measure that economizes assessments by clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Schmalbach
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Research Group Applied Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bjarne Schmalbach
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Zenger
- Department of Applied Human Studies, University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg and Stendal, Stendal, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases – Behavioral Medicine, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hendrik Berth
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Research Group Applied Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cornelia Albani
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Petrowski
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases – Behavioral Medicine, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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40
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Shangguan F, Quan X, Qian W, Zhou C, Zhang C, Zhang XY, Liu Z. Prevalence and correlates of somatization in anxious individuals in a Chinese online crisis intervention during COVID-19 epidemic. J Affect Disord 2020; 277:436-442. [PMID: 32866802 PMCID: PMC7443323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatization is a common comorbidity in anxious people. From January 31 to February 2, 2020, a high prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety was detected due to COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of somatization among Chinese participants with anxiety receiving online crisis interventions from Feb 14 to Mar 29 during the COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS A total of 1134 participants who participated in online crisis interventions completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and demographic questions online. Somatization was defined as the average score of each item ≥ 2 in SCL-90 somatization subscale. Moderate to severe anxiety was defined as a score ≥ 10 in the GAD-7 scale. RESULTS Among all participants, 8.0% reported moderate to severe anxiety and 7.4% reported somatization. After March 1, the prevalence of anxiety with or without somatization did not significantly change (both p > 0.05), while the prevalence of somatization increased significantly (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated that somatization was associated with chronic disease history (with an odds ratio of 4.80) and female gender (with an odds ratio of 0.33). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the history of chronic diseases is associated with somatization in individuals with anxiety, indicating some stress-related mechanisms. Chinese men in crisis intervention need more attention because they are more likely to report anxiety comorbid somatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Shangguan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Quan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenhao Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Yang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Maass U, Kühne F, Maas J, Unverdross M, Weck F. Psychological Interventions for Health Anxiety and Somatic Symptoms. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOLOGIE-JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. This study examined the effectiveness of psychological interventions for severe health anxiety (SHA) regarding somatic symptoms (SS) and health anxiety (HA). The databases Web of Science, EBSCO, and CENTRAL were searched on May 15, 2019, May 16, 2019, and August 5, 2019, respectively. Eighteen randomized controlled trials ( N = 2,050) met the inclusion criteria (i.e., hypochondriasis, illness anxiety disorder or somatic symptom disorder with elevated HA being assessed with validated interviews; use of standardized outcome measures). Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies’ risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) tool. Overall, psychological interventions were significantly more effective than waitlist, treatment-as-usual, or placebo post-treatment ( gSS = 0.70, gHA = 1.11) and at follow-up ( gSS = 0.33, gHA = 0.70). CBT outperformed other psychological interventions or pharmacotherapy for HA post-treatment (Hedge’s gHA = 0.81). The number of sessions did not significantly predict the effect sizes. In sum, psychological interventions were effective for SHA, but the generalizability of the results for SS is limited, because only two high-quality trials contributed to the comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Maass
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Franziska Kühne
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jana Maas
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Maria Unverdross
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Florian Weck
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
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Shedden-Mora MC, Kuby A, Tönnies J, Piontek K, Löwe B. Stepped, Collaborative, Coordinated Care for Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (Sofu-Net). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOLOGIE-JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. To improve early detection and adequate treatment for patients with somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRD), we implemented Sofu-Net, a stepped, collaborative, and coordinated health care network. This mixed-methods study aimed to evaluate Sofu-Net from the health care professionals’ perspective. Network partners (primary care physicians (PCPs), psychotherapists, inpatient mental health clinics) completed an evaluation survey. Following, qualitative analysis of focus groups explored facilitating factors and barriers of Sofu-Net. Of 66 network partners who completed the survey (response 83.5%), the majority was satisfied with Sofu-Net, and perceived improvements regarding management, early detection, and referral to mental health care. Both survey and focus groups identified interdisciplinary collaboration and diagnostic screening as most relevant facilitating factors. Important barriers to implementation included challenges in patient referral and structural factors. Necessary prerequisites for future stepped collaborative care for SSRD include structures facilitating diagnosis, inter-professional collaboration and referral, availability of mental health care, inclusion of comorbidities, and adequate reimbursement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike C. Shedden-Mora
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amina Kuby
- Department of Nursing and Management, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Justus Tönnies
- Clinic for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Piontek
- Institute for Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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43
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Lee SJ, Koussa M, Gelberg L, Heinzerling K, Young SD. Somatization, mental health and pain catastrophizing factors associated with risk of opioid misuse among patients with chronic non-cancer pain. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1704079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Jae Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maryann Koussa
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith Heinzerling
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sean D. Young
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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44
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Toussaint A, Hüsing P, Kohlmann S, Löwe B. Detecting DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder: criterion validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8) in combination with the Somatic Symptom Disorder - B Criteria Scale (SSD-12). Psychol Med 2020; 50:324-333. [PMID: 30729902 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171900014x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) introduced somatic symptom and related disorders (SSD) to improve the diagnosis of somatoform disorders. It is unclear whether existing questionnaires are useful to identify patients with SSD. Our study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8) in combination with the Somatic Symptom Disorder - B Criteria Scale (SSD-12). METHODS For this cross-sectional study, participants were recruited from a psychosomatic outpatient clinic. PHQ-15, SSS-8, and SSD-12 were administered and compared with SSD criteria from a diagnostic interview. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for optimal individual and combined cutpoints. Receiver operator curves were created and area under the curve (AUC) analyses assessed. RESULTS Data of n = 372 patients [31.2% male, mean age: 39.3 years (s.d. = 13.6)] were analyzed. A total of 56.2% fulfilled the SSD criteria. Diagnostic accuracy was moderate for each questionnaire (PHQ-15: AUC = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.65-0.76; SSS-8: AUC = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.66-0.77; SSD-12: AUC = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.69-0.80). Combining questionnaires improved diagnostic accuracy (PHQ-15 + SSD-12: AUC = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.72-0.82; SSS-8 + SSD-12: AUC = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.74-0.84). Optimal combined cutpoints were ⩾9 for the PHQ-15 or SSS-8, and ⩾23 for the SSD-12 (sensitivity and specificity = 69% and 70%). CONCLUSIONS The combination of the PHQ-15 or SSS-8 with the SSD-12 provides an easy-to-use and time- and cost-efficient opportunity to identify persons at risk for SSD. If systematically applied in routine care, effective screening and subsequent treatment might help to improve quality of life and reduce health care excess costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Toussaint
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Hüsing
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kohlmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Li H, Zhang Y, Wang H, Liang J, Zhou Y, Huang Y, Zhai T, Yang Q, Yang M, Ning Y, He H, Wu K, Chen F, Wu F, Zhang X. The Relationship Between Symptoms of Anxiety and Somatic Symptoms in Health Professionals During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:3153-3161. [PMID: 33376331 PMCID: PMC7755336 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s282124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a threat to global health. Increasing studies have shown that the mental health status of health professionals is very poor during the COVID-19 epidemic. At present, the relationship between somatic symptoms and symptoms of anxiety of health professionals during the COVID-19 has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the frequency of somatic symptoms and its related factors in health professionals with symptoms of anxiety during COVID-19 in China. METHODS A total of 606 health professionals were assessed online with the Chinese version of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the somatization subscale of Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90). RESULTS The percentage of symptoms of anxiety, somatic symptoms and insomnia in all health professionals was 45.4%, 12.0%, and 32%, respectively. The frequency of somatic symptoms in health professionals with symptoms of anxiety was 22.9%. The SCL-90 somatization subscale score was significantly positively correlated with history of somatic diseases, GAD-7 score and ISI score in participants with symptoms of anxiety. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19, symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and somatic symptoms are commonly observed in health professionals. Insomnia and symptoms of anxiety are independently associated with somatic symptoms of health professionals with symptoms of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehua Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Wang
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liang
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjie Zhou
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Zhai
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingzhe Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuping Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo He
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology (scUT), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengjuan Chen
- Department of Medical, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengchun Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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North CS, Hong BA, Lai HH, Alpers DH. Assessing somatization in urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome. BMC Urol 2019; 19:130. [PMID: 31823813 PMCID: PMC6902613 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-019-0556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study examined the prevalence of somatization disorder in Urological Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS) and the utility of two self-report symptom screening tools for assessment of somatization in patients with UCPPS. Methods The study sample included 65 patients with UCPPS who enrolled in the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Study at Washington University. Patients completed the PolySymptomatic PolySyndromic Questionnaire (PSPS-Q) (n = 64) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 Somatic Symptom Severity Scale (PHQ-15) (n = 50). Review of patient medical records found that only 47% (n = 30) contained sufficient documentation to assess Perley-Guze criteria for somatization disorder. Results Few (only 6.5%) of the UCPPS sample met Perley-Guze criteria for definite somatization disorder. Perley-Guze somatization disorder was predicted by definite PSPS-Q somatization with at least 75% sensitivity and specificity. Perley-Guze somatization disorder was predicted by severe (> 15) PHQ-15 threshold that had > 90% sensitivity and specificity but was met by only 16% of patients. The moderate (> 10) PHQ-15 threshold had higher sensitivity (100%) but lower specificity (52%) and was met by 52% of the sample. Conclusions The PHQ-15 is brief, but it measures symptoms constituting only one dimension of somatization. The PSPS-Q uniquely captures two conceptual dimensions inherent in the definition of somatization disorder, both number of symptoms and symptom distribution across multiple organ systems, with relevance for UCPPS as a syndrome that is not just a collection of urological symptoms but a broader syndrome with symptoms extending beyond the urological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S North
- The Altshuler Center for Education & Research at Metrocare Services, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 1250 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 330, Dallas, TX, 75247-4914, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite NE5.102, Dallas, TX, 75390-9070, USA.
| | - B A Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - H H Lai
- Departments of Surgery and Anesthesiology, Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - D H Alpers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Nakatoh S. Relationships between chronic pain with locomotive syndrome and somatic symptom disorder in general community-dwelling population: A cross-sectional evaluation of individuals aged 50 years or older undergoing primary specific health screening. Mod Rheumatol 2019; 30:1067-1073. [DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2019.1687112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Nakatoh
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Asahi General Hospital, Toyama, Japan
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48
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Markert C, Gomm C, Ehlert U, Gaab J, Nater UM. Effects of cognitive-behavioral stress management training in individuals with functional somatic symptoms - an exploratory randomized controlled trial. Stress 2019; 22:696-706. [PMID: 31198076 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1625329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is discussed as a risk factor in the manifestation and maintenance of functional somatic (FS) symptoms. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of cognitive-behavioral stress management training (CBSM) on FS symptoms and the (potentially mediating) role of the neuroendocrine system. This study aims to examine stress-related psychological and neuroendocrine changes after receiving a brief CBSM in individuals with FS symptoms. Forty-three participants of both sexes, who reported at least one current FS symptom, were analyzed (treatment group (TG) n = 21, waitlist control group (WCG) n = 22) using mixed models. Number of symptoms, psychological stress, and salivary cortisol levels were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6 months later. Mixed model analyses did not reveal significant differences between the TG and the WCG regarding number of FS symptoms (p > 0.05), psychological stress measures (p > 0.05) or the cortisol awakening response (CAR) (p > 0.05). The TG presented lower diurnal cortisol levels at pretreatment, posttreatment and 6 months later (p < 0.05). We did not find significant beneficial effects that were specific to CBSM. Further research should be undertaken to investigate the effects of CBSM on real life stress or laboratory stressors in subjects with FS symptoms. Moreover, learning cognitive restructuring and establishing new coping strategies into everyday life might require more time. This study is a first step in filling the gap in understanding the influences of CBSM as a brief intervention on psychological and biological aspects of stress in participants with FS symptoms and will hopefully inform larger trials of CBSM for FS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Gomm
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaab
- Department of Psychology, University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Psychology, University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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Ohrbach R, Slade GD, Bair E, Rathnayaka N, Diatchenko L, Greenspan JD, Maixner W, Fillingim RB. Premorbid and concurrent predictors of TMD onset and persistence. Eur J Pain 2019; 24:145-158. [PMID: 31421009 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple risk factors predict temporomandibular disorders (TMD) onset, but temporal changes in risk factors and their contribution to risk of TMD have not been evaluated. The study aims were to (a) describe changes occurring in premorbid TMD risk factors when re-measured at TMD onset and 6 months later, and (b) determine if measures of change improve accuracy in predicting TMD incidence compared to premorbid measures alone. METHODS In this observational prospective cohort study at four university research clinics, 3,258 community-based, 18- to 44-year-olds without TMD were enrolled. During the 3-year median follow-up, 260 incident cases of first-onset TMD were identified, and 196 TMD-free subjects were selected as matched controls. Six-months later, 147 of 260 incident cases (56.6%) were re-examined revealing 72 (49%) with 'persistent TMD' and 75 (51%) whose condition had resolved ('transient TMD'). Virtually all (126) of the 127 re-examined controls remained without TMD. Questionnaires and clinical measurements evaluated risk factors from clinical, health, psychological and behavioural and neurosensory domains. RESULTS Most risk factors across all four domains increased with TMD onset, remained elevated in the persistent group and declined in the transient group (i.e., significant ANOVA interactions, p < .05). Accuracy in predicting first-onset TMD, quantified as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.71 (95% CL 0.68, 0.73) using only premorbid measures of risk factors, which increased to 0.91 (95% CL 0.89, 0.94) after addition of change measures. CONCLUSIONS TMD pain onset and persistence appear to be determined by enduring characteristics of the person as well as mutually interactive with temporally evolving variables. SIGNIFICANCE TMD is known to be a complex disorder, in which onset and persistence are associated with disease-related variables in multiple domains, including environmental exposure, clinical, psychological, health status, and pain processing variables. Using a more dynamic approach in order to capture change across time, many aspects of those domains were found to worsen prior to the reporting of pain, with bidirectional influences between domains and pain emergence likely. TMD onset appears to represent the cumulative effect of multiple system dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ohrbach
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Gary D Slade
- Department of Dental Ecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Center for Pain Research and Innovation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Eric Bair
- Center for Pain Research and Innovation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Endodontics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nuvan Rathnayaka
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Joel D Greenspan
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, and Brotman Facial Pain Clinic, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - William Maixner
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Roger B Fillingim
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, Gainesville, Florida
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50
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Dai L, Xu Z, Yin M, Wang X, Deng Y. Validation of the Chinese version of the Health Cognitions Questionnaire in Chinese college students. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:1845-1854. [PMID: 31308677 PMCID: PMC6616270 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s210842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The cognitive behavioral model is considered the most comprehensive for explaining the pathogenesis of health anxiety (HA). The model proposes 4 dysfunctional beliefs that play a vital role in developing and sustaining HA: a) the likelihood of contracting or having an illness, b) awfulness of the illness, c) difficulty coping with illness, and d) inadequacy of medical services. The Health Cognitions Questionnaire (HCQ), widely used in English populations, was developed for assessing these core cognitions. As HA is a growing problem in China, we translated the HCQ into a Chinese version (CHCQ) and examined its psychometric properties. These core cognitions were compared among individuals with and without medical conditions. METHODS A set of questionnaires that included the CHCQ and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) was used to gather data from 1,319 Chinese college students. After 4 weeks, 145 of the students completed the CHCQ again. The validity, reliability, and measurement invariance were evaluated among individuals with various medical conditions. RESULTS The final CHCQ included 19 items. A 4-factor structure was well suited to the data. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α for total score was 0.849, subscales ranged from 0.753 to 0.841), test-retest reliability (the interclass correlation coefficient for total score was 0.762, subscales ranged from 0.626 to 0.683), and criterion validity of the CHCQ were demonstrated. Measurement and structural invariance were established. Individuals with a diagnosed disease scored higher on the likelihood-of-illness subscale (Cohen's d =0.22, p < 0.01) than those without an illness. CONCLUSION The CHCQ shows promise for the assessment of 4 core HA-related cognitions in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Dai
- Clinical Psychology Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zan Xu
- Student Affairs Department, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Yin
- Clinical Psychology Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Clinical Psychology Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Deng
- Clinical Psychology Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410013, People’s Republic of China
- Psychosomatic Health Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410013, People’s Republic of China
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