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Screening indexes in DSM-III-R somatization disorder
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
General Hospital Psychiatry
|May 1, 1990
Summary
This study evaluated screening indexes for somatization disorder in general medical patients. Both DSM-III-R and Swartz et al. indexes showed similar performance, aiding clinical decisions for unexplained somatic complaints.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Psychology
- General Medicine
Background:
- Somatization disorder presents with multiple unexplained physical symptoms.
- Accurate screening is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Existing screening indexes require performance evaluation in diverse patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic performance of published screening indexes for somatization disorder.
- To evaluate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of these indexes.
- To inform the selection of appropriate screening tools for somatization disorder.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 196 general medical patients with unexplained somatic complaints was studied.
- Performance metrics (sensitivity, specificity, predictive values) of screening indexes were calculated.
- Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess index performance across symptom thresholds.
Main Results:
- Both DSM-III-R and Swartz et al. screening indexes demonstrated comparable performance.
- Positive predictive values ranged from 68% to 79%.
- Negative predictive values ranged from 72% to 81%.
Conclusions:
- Screening indexes for somatization disorder are valuable tools in primary care and consultation-liaison settings.
- ROC analysis aids in selecting the optimal screening index based on desired sensitivity and specificity.
- These findings support the routine use of screening indexes for patients with unexplained somatic complaints.