Somatization disorder in patients with chronic fatigue

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Internal Medicine
• Somatic Symptom Disorders

Background:

• Chronic fatigue is a common chief complaint in outpatient settings.
• The relationship between chronic fatigue and somatization disorder requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the association between chronic fatigue and somatization disorder in adults.
• To identify specific functional somatic symptoms linked to somatization disorder in patients with chronic fatigue.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 100 adults presenting with chronic fatigue was evaluated.
• Diagnosis of somatization disorder was based on established criteria.
• Symptom frequency and co-occurring mental health conditions were assessed.

Main Results:

• Somatization disorder was diagnosed in 15% of patients with chronic fatigue.
• Patients with somatization disorder reported significantly higher frequencies of eight specific functional somatic symptoms (p < 0.001).
• Mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders were less prevalent in patients with somatization disorder (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Somatization disorder is associated with chronic fatigue.
• Specific functional somatic symptoms are more common in patients with chronic fatigue and somatization disorder.
• Comorbid mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders are less frequent in this patient group.