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Psychiatric comorbidity in primary care somatization disorder
F W Brown1, J M Golding, G R Smith
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
Psychosomatic Medicine
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Patients with somatization disorder have significantly higher rates of comorbid psychiatric conditions, including major depression and anxiety disorders, compared to the general population. These findings highlight the importance of screening for co-occurring mental health issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Somatization disorder is characterized by unexplained physical symptoms.
- Comorbid psychiatric conditions are common but not fully understood in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lifetime prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in patients with somatization disorder.
- To compare these prevalence rates with general population norms.
Main Methods:
- Calculated lifetime prevalence rates for comorbid disorders in 119 patients meeting DSM III-R criteria for somatization disorder.
- Compared findings with general population data from the ECA study.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of nine comorbid conditions was significantly higher than in the general population.
- Major depression (54.6%), generalized anxiety disorder (33.6%), and phobic disorders (31.1%) were most prevalent.
- Highest risk ratios were observed for panic disorder (16.25), major depression (9.41), and schizophrenia (7.77).
Conclusions:
- Patients with somatization disorder exhibit a substantially elevated risk for various comorbid psychiatric disorders.
- Screening for conditions like major depression and anxiety disorders is crucial in individuals presenting with somatization disorder.