Somatization, dissociation, and tension-reducing behaviors in psychiatric outpatients

Author(s): Barkan, H.

Journal/Book: Psychother Psychosom. 1997; 66: Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland. Karger. 133-140.

Abstract: Background: Conceptual and methodological difficulties exist in assessing coping behaviors. Methods: This study investigated coping behaviors in 102 psychiatric outpatients. We used the Dissociative Experiences Scale, a 17-item posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist; 2 measures of somatization (the Wahler Physical Symptom Inventory and the Physical Symptom Questionnaire), and 21 questions about subject involvement in positive and pathologic tension-reducing behaviors. Results: Preliminary data suggest that dissociative symptoms, PTSD-like symptoms, and somatization are associated with a variety of positive and pathologic tension-reducing behaviors. Conclusions: The results suggest that psychiatric outpatients have an array of coping behavior: some are health-promoting, others are relatively self-destructive.

Note: Article Farley M, Box 16254, San Francisco,CA 94116 USA

Keyword(s): health risk behaviors; adverse health practices; somatoform disorders; stress disorders, posttraumatic; violence; POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER; APPRAISAL; COMBAT; WAR

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