Somatization among older primary care attenders

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Primary Care Research

Background:

• The significance of somatization in older primary care patients remains under-explored.
• Understanding somatization's prevalence and impact in this demographic is crucial for healthcare provision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence, persistence, and associated factors of somatization in older primary care attenders.
• To investigate the relationship between somatization and frequent healthcare attendance in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 140 primary care attenders aged over 65 were assessed twice over 10 months.
• Evaluations included measures of somatization, psychiatric status, physical health, and attendance patterns.

Main Results:

• While GMS hypochondriacal neurosis was transient (5% prevalence), somatized symptoms and attributions were persistent.
• Somatization correlated with depression, physical illness, and perceived lack of social support.
• Frequent attenders exhibited higher rates of depression, physical illness, somatic symptoms, and lower perceived support.

Conclusions:

• Somatization is prevalent among older primary care patients, sharing correlates with younger somatizers.
• Psychological distress in this population is linked to frequent healthcare utilization.
• Enhanced recognition of somatization can improve patient outcomes and healthcare service efficiency.