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[Somatoform complaints in the German population]
Aike Hessel1, Michael Geyer, Jörg Schumacher
1Universität Leipzig, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychotherapie und Psychosomatische Medizin, K.-Tauchnitz-Str. 25, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
Zeitschrift Fur Psychosomatische Medizin Und Psychotherapie
|February 8, 2002
Summary
Somatoform disorders are common in Germany, affecting many people with symptoms like pain and stomach issues. This study highlights a significant gap between reported symptoms and official diagnoses, impacting healthcare utilization.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Somatoform disorders represent a significant public health concern.
- Previous research indicated low prevalence rates based on restrictive diagnostic criteria.
- Understanding subjective somatoform complaints is crucial for accurate assessment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence of somatoform complaints in the German population.
- To compare subjective reports with official diagnostic classifications (DSM-IV, ICD-10).
- To examine demographic factors influencing somatoform symptom reporting.
Summary:
- A study of 2050 Germans using the Screening for Somatoform Disorders (SOMS) found widespread somatoform complaints.
- Common symptoms include back pain, limb aches, headaches, and stomach discomfort.
- Women and older adults reported higher symptom frequencies, with notable regional differences in East Germany.
Impact:
- Findings reveal a substantial underdiagnosis of somatoform disorders compared to official rates (0.2%-0.4%).
- High healthcare utilization and increased drug consumption were observed in individuals with somatoform complaints.
- The study underscores the need for revised diagnostic approaches to capture the true burden of these conditions.