JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Is development and persistence of multiple physical symptoms associated with coping? A longitudinal study over a decade

  • 0The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, Denmark.
General Hospital Psychiatry +

|

October 19, 2024

|

October 19, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Many adults develop or continue to experience multiple physical symptoms (MPS) over time. Maladaptive coping strategies, like low approach and high resignation, increase the risk for developing and maintaining MPS.

Area Of Science

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychosomatic Medicine
  • Longitudinal Health Studies

Background

  • Multiple physical symptoms (MPS) represent a significant health burden.
  • Understanding the long-term development and persistence of MPS is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the incidence and persistence of multiple physical symptoms (MPS) over a 10-year period.
  • To identify sociodemographic and coping strategy associations with MPS development and persistence.

Main Methods

  • Longitudinal study of 16,405 adults (aged 20-64) from the Danish Symptom Cohort (DaSC) with 10-year follow-up (DaSC II).
  • MPS assessed using the bodily distress syndrome construct; coping measured by the Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire.
  • Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed.

Main Results

  • 17% of individuals without MPS in 2012 developed MPS by 2022.
  • 57% of individuals with MPS in 2012 experienced persistence.
  • Development or persistence of MPS was associated with being female, lower education, immigrant status, antidepressant use, and maladaptive coping (low approach, high diversion/resignation).

Conclusions

  • Low approach, high diversion, and high resignation coping strategies are linked to increased risk and persistence of MPS.
  • Targeting maladaptive coping strategies through psychotherapy is important, especially for high-risk individuals.

Keywords:

Related Concept Videos

Longitudinal Research 02:20

11.9K

Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...

Longitudinal Studies 01:26

139

Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...

Classification of Illness 01:17

7.4K

The meaning of illness is individualized to each person who experiences an alteration in health. In contrast, disease is a medical term indicating a pathological change in the structure and function of the body or mind. It is a condition that has specific symptoms and boundaries.
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe...

Stress and Mental Health 01:30

78

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies 01:27

2.5K

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History

• Symptom Review: Chronic symptoms such as persistent cough, sputum production, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and episodes of exacerbation are...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications. 01:25

2.7K

Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:

• Chronic Cough: A persistent cough, often productive, is a crucial symptom of COPD.
•...