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Mediators between bereavement and somatic symptoms
Barna Konkolÿ Thege1, János Pilling, Zoltán Cserháti
1Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
BMC Family Practice
|June 20, 2012
Summary
Bereavement is linked to more frequent somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression, with anxiety being a stronger predictor.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Grief Research
Background:
- Examined somatic symptoms in bereaved (N=185) versus non-bereaved (N=4041) individuals.
- Investigated mediating factors between bereavement and somatic symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of somatic symptoms in bereaved individuals.
- To explore the role of anxiety and depression as mediators between bereavement and somatic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) for somatic symptoms.
- Assessed anxiety and depression using validated scales (anxiety rating scale, Beck Depression Inventory).
Main Results:
- Bereaved individuals reported significantly higher somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression.
- Anxiety and depression mediated the relationship between bereavement and somatic symptoms.
- Anxiety was a stronger predictor of somatic symptoms than depression in both genders.
Conclusions:
- Somatic symptoms in bereavement are linked to underlying anxiety and depression, not direct consequences.
- Highlights the need to address anxiety and depression in individuals experiencing somatic complaints during bereavement.
- Emphasizes the importance of disseminating information on the psychological underpinnings of grief-related somatic symptoms.
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