Somatization and depression among former Soviet immigrants

This study investigated the prevalence of pure and overlapping forms of somatization and depression in a sample of former Soviet immigrants and whether pure somatization or pure depression could be differentiated using the study variables. Study respondents completed a demographic questionnaire, the Demands of Immigration Scale, and the Symptom Checklist 90R. Respondents were classified as (a) neither depressed nor somatic, (b) only somatic, (c) only depressed, or (d) both depressed and somatic. Univariate analyses and logistical regression were used to compare these four groups and to predict the likelihood of being only depressed or only somatic. The four groups differed in terms of immigration demands, age, education, employment, and years in the U.S. A logistic regression analysis was able to classify 75% of the participants as only somatic or only depressed on the basis of certain demographic characteristics. Age, being unemployed and not looking for work, and not having a college education increased the risk of being somatic rather than depressed.