G Liu1, M R Clark, W W Eaton. 1. Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287-5371, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Assess the latent structure of the DSM-III somatization symptoms and the stability of symptom patterns over time. METHODS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal covariation of symptoms of somatization disorder were investigated using structural equation models in a population-based data set from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study. RESULTS: Medically unexplained physical complaints were discovered to cluster into three separate factors, consistent with the DSM-IV definition of somatization disorder, but one dominant general factor was defined, consistent with the DSM-III conceptualization. Individual symptom prevalences and factor structures were different for men and women. The factor structures remained stable at 1 year follow-up. Variations in the threshold of number of somatization symptoms required for diagnosis affected prevalence, sex ratio and temporal stability of the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: These population-based results support dimensional models of somatization. Implications for changing the threshold of the categorical diagnosis of somatization disorder and providing better care for these patients are given.
BACKGROUND: Assess the latent structure of the DSM-III somatization symptoms and the stability of symptom patterns over time. METHODS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal covariation of symptoms of somatization disorder were investigated using structural equation models in a population-based data set from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study. RESULTS: Medically unexplained physical complaints were discovered to cluster into three separate factors, consistent with the DSM-IV definition of somatization disorder, but one dominant general factor was defined, consistent with the DSM-III conceptualization. Individual symptom prevalences and factor structures were different for men and women. The factor structures remained stable at 1 year follow-up. Variations in the threshold of number of somatization symptoms required for diagnosis affected prevalence, sex ratio and temporal stability of the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: These population-based results support dimensional models of somatization. Implications for changing the threshold of the categorical diagnosis of somatization disorder and providing better care for these patients are given.
Authors: Maria Christina Dehoust; Holger Schulz; Martin Härter; Jana Volkert; Susanne Sehner; Anna Drabik; Karl Wegscheider; Alessandra Canuto; Kerstin Weber; Mike Crawford; Alan Quirk; Luigi Grassi; Chiara DaRonch; Manuel Munoz; Berta Ausin; Anna Santos-Olmo; Arieh Shalev; Ora Rotenstein; Yael Hershkowitz; Jens Strehle; Hans-Ulrich Wittchen; Sylke Andreas Journal: Int J Methods Psychiatr Res Date: 2017-02-01 Impact factor: 4.035
Authors: Marie Eliasen; Svend Kreiner; Jeanette F Ebstrup; Chalotte H Poulsen; Cathrine J Lau; Sine Skovbjerg; Per K Fink; Torben Jørgensen Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-03-01 Impact factor: 3.240