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

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.