Relationships between depression and somatization - A review of recent publications on a target subject suffering from somatization

Author(s): Strobel, M.

Journal/Book: Can Psychol Psychol Can. 2000; 41: 151 Slater St, Ste 205, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H3, Canada. Canadian Psychol Assoc. 52-60.

Abstract: A diagnosis of clinical depression just as masked depression is often associated with body aches that can not be medically explained. After a presentation of operational definitions of somatization and psychosomatic disorders, and of the relationship between depression and somatization, a sociopsychological portrait is given of a target subject suffering from somatization disorder, as discussed in recent publications. The type and psychosocial characteristics, vulnerability to stress, character traits and beliefs, and the family model of the average person suffering from somatization disorder were specified. Finally, the relevance of various treatments was discussed, emphasizing the interest in multiple treatments after arriving at a successful diagnosis. The clinical benefits of prevention in the normal person and of learning to control the psyche/soma interrelationship were outlined. Developing research on somatization, whether it is related or not to depressive moods, is definitely of cultural and financial interest since these patients are large consumers of health care.

Note: Article Mascres C, Univ Montreal, Fac Med Dent, CP 6128, Succ Ctr Ville, Montreal, PQ H3C 3J7, CANADA

Keyword(s): PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS; SOCIAL SUPPORT; PRIMARY-CARE; SYMPTOMS; HEALTH; HYPOCHONDRIASIS; ALEXITHYMIA; MEDITATION; DIMENSIONS; DISORDERS

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