The Significance of Somatic Complaints for Maintenance of Depression in Young Girls

Abstract

Based on former empirical studies and theoretical models the present study investigated, whether stress symptoms, stress coping and somatic complaints are different between depressed girls and healthy controls. 148 girls with a mean age of 15 years were studied twice with 6 months between the two assessments. 74 fulfilled DSM IV criteria for major depression at first assessment. Stress symptoms, stress coping and somatic complaints were measured with validated German questionnaires. Depressed girls showed more stress symptoms and a higher stress vulnerability. On the other hand in stress coping depressed girls preferred destructive strategies and had a lack of useful behaviors such as problem solving or search for social support. Somatic complaints had a significant influence on severity of depression six months later. The results were interpreted with respect to the cognitive model of Beck.