Related Experiment Videos
Somatic symptoms among older Soviet immigrants: an exploratory study
R Kohn1, J A Flaherty, I Levav
1Columbia University, New York, New York 10032.
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Older Jewish-Soviet immigrants show elevated somatization and depression symptoms, with somatization often masking underlying distress. This highlights the need for culturally sensitive mental health approaches for this population.
Area of Science:
- Cross-cultural psychiatry
- Geriatric mental health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Somatization and depressive symptoms are often intertwined, particularly in immigrant populations.
- Older Jewish-Soviet immigrants may present depression masked by somatic complaints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the overlap of somatization and depressive symptoms in older Jewish-Soviet immigrants.
- To test the hypothesis that depression is masked by somatic complaints in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-five older Jewish-Soviet immigrants completed the Symptom Checklist 90, PERI Demoralization Scale, and Social Support Network Inventory.
- Comparison between immigrant group, a depressed group, and normal controls.
Main Results:
- The somatization subscale was significantly higher in immigrants compared to a depressed group.
- The depression subscale was significantly lower in immigrants compared to a depressed group.
- Both depression and somatization subscales were significantly elevated in immigrants compared to normal controls.
Conclusions:
- Somatization, depression, and demoralization are elevated in older Jewish-Soviet immigrants.
- Findings support the hypothesis of somatization masking depression in this population.
- Highlights the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions and further research in cross-cultural psychiatry.