Levels Of Somatization Research Articles

Examination of the Predictability of Psychological and Sociodemographic Variables among Early Emerging Adulthood and Late Emerging Adulthood Seeking Mental Health Treatment

In this study, the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and the use of mental services among 18-29-year-old adults was examined. Data were collected from the 18-29 aged men and women whos participated in the TURBAHAR study. Psychological symptoms, attachment, alexithymia, personal well-being, and positive-negative mood levels of the participants were examined for the research. According to the regression analysis, it was found that smoking and alcohol use, depression, personal well-being, and hostility levels significantly predicted the psychiatric status of both women and men. In addition, it was found that negative self-esteem and somatization levels predicted the use of mental health services among women. The results showed that more psychological factors were affecting the use of mental health services for women compared to men. The findings are expected to contribute to the structuring of services for men and women in terms of the utilization of mental health services based on gender differences.

Altered Structural Covariance of Insula, Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex Is Associated with Somatic Symptom Levels in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Somatization, defined as the presence of multiple somatic symptoms, frequently occurs in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and may constitute the clinical manifestation of a neurobiological sensitization process. Brain imaging data was acquired with T1 weighted 3 tesla MRI, and gray matter morphometry were analyzed using FreeSurfer. We investigated differences in networks of structural covariance, based on graph analysis, between regional gray matter volumes in IBS-related brain regions between IBS patients with high and low somatization levels, and compared them to healthy controls (HCs). When comparing IBS low somatization (N = 31), IBS high somatization (N = 35), and HCs (N = 31), we found: (1) higher centrality and neighbourhood connectivity of prefrontal cortex subregions in IBS high somatization compared to healthy controls; (2) higher centrality of left cerebellum in IBS low somatization compared to both IBS high somatization and healthy controls; (3) higher centrality of the anterior insula in healthy controls compared to both IBS groups, and in IBS low compared to IBS high somatization. The altered structural covariance of prefrontal cortex and anterior insula in IBS high somatization implicates that prefrontal processes may be more important than insular in the neurobiological sensitization process associated with IBS high somatization.

Diagnostic of psychoemotional and cognitive impairments in acute ischemic stroke

Background. Early rehabilitation of patients with stroke is an important aspect of modern healthcare. The leading factor in disability is polymorphism of movement disorders, which is associated with dysfunction of various parts of the movement regulation system. Disorders of higher mental functions are another group of functional disorders widely represented among stroke patient. Aims: To assess the severity of cognitive, psychoemotional, behavioral disorders, the level of self-control and prevalence of certain coping strategies in patients with lesions of the right and left cerebral hemispheres after acute ischemic stroke. Material and methods. The study included 60 patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Depending on the location of the stroke, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 30 patients with lesions of the right hemisphere, Group 2 30 patients with lesions of the left hemisphere. The study was conducted on the 7th day of treatment and included: assessment of the cognitive status according to the Montreal scale (with additional scales for assessing the functions of the right hemisphere); assessment of the level of distress, depression, anxiety and somatization using the Four Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire; assessment of mental and physical asthenia according to the MFI-20 scale, level of self-control using the Rotter's Locus of Control Scale and coping strategies modality using E. Heim coping questionnaire. Results. The study established the prevalence of depression, a tendency towards non-adaptive coping strategies, ideational praxis related disorders understanding of metaphors and low level of self-control in relation to health in patients with lesions of the right hemisphere. Patients with ischemic stroke localized in the left hemisphere are characterized by a high level of mental asthenia, a choice of adaptive and relatively adaptive coping strategies, and a low level of self-control in respect to interpersonal relationships. Conclusions. The results of the study show that in the acute period of stroke there are qualitative and quantitative differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with lesions of the right and left cerebral hemispheres. The predominance of depression, cognitive impairments, and non-adaptive coping strategies in patients with lesions of the right hemisphere even with minimal or moderate motor deficits justifies early examination of the patient's behavioral, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive syndromes. The results of the study indicate the need to develop individual psychological rehabilitation programs for patients with lesions of the right and left cerebral hemispheres during the acute period of stroke.

The associations between metacognition problems, childhood trauma and internalizing symptoms in healthcare workers working directly with patients infected with COVID-19

ABSTRACT Healthcare workers (HCWs) providing medical support while facing one of the highest levels of adverse and potentially fatal outcomes due to COVID-19 are put in a vulnerable position leading to the development of mental health problems. The development of any prevention and intervention programs to reduce this risk is possible with better understanding and knowledge of possible vulnerability factors. The aim of the present study is to investigate psychological effect of working directly with patients infected with COVID-19 (WD) and possible individual vulnerability factors for the development of psychological problems in HCWs. The data used in this cross-sectional study were collected using online self-reported questionnaires from 290 HCWs aged 21–61 years old. The mean score of the scales of 145 HCWs-WD and 145 HCWs not WD (HCWs-NWD) were compared by independent sample t test. Associations between childhood traumas, metacognitive dysfunctional beliefs and internalizing symptoms were analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The depression, anxiety, stress symptoms levels, somatization and sleep problem levels were found to be higher in HCWs-WD compared to HCWs-NWD. SEM revealed that childhood trauma levels was associated with the increased risk of internalizing problems, and metacognitive dysfunctional beliefs had a partial mediator role between childhood traumas and internalizing symptoms in HCWs-WD. Improving metacognitive abilities may hence need to be considered in prevention programs for the HCWs. The findings can also be used to set up further research on the specific interventions on the HCWs who are at a risk as their profession entails them being in such traumatic situations.

S531 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Development of a Newly Integrated GI Psychology Program in a Community-Based Hospital Setting

Introduction: Brain-gut psychotherapies are efficacious, resulting in recognition of integrated GI psychology (GI-PSY) services. However, the COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic changed the healthcare landscape. Aim of this study was to characterize referral patterns and baseline health status during the peak of the C-19 pandemic in a community-based GI-PSY program. Methods: Retrospective analysis of adults who had a baseline assessment for GI-PSY services in a community GI center during the C-19 peak in North Carolina (11/2020-2/2021). Demographics, referring provider specialty (Physician [PN], Advanced Practice Provider [APP]), and self-reported GI symptoms were obtained. Participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale (Range: 0-21; higher scores = more severe anxiety), PHQ-9 (Range: 0-27; higher scores = more severe depression), PHQ-15 (Range: 0-30; higher scores = greater levels of somatization), and the PROMIS Global-10 (assesses physical (PH) and mental domains (MH) of quality of life via a T-score distribution). Comparison between PN vs APP was examined on these measures. Statistical analyses included: t-test, chi-square, and linear regression models. P-values < 0.05 are considered statistically significant. Results: 30 participants (mean age = 38.3±16.9: Range: 18-75; 60.0% female; 80% functional or motility referrals) were included. Referral provider distribution: PN (64%) vs APP (36%). The mean Global-10 MH was statistically significance for APP vs PN referrals: 46.7 vs 35.1, p = 0.02. A significant trend was found for PHQ-15 scores for APP vs PN: 13.9 vs 9.9, p =0.09. No significant differences related to self-reported GI symptoms for PN vs APP in GI-PSY referrals. Linear regression models using health outcomes as the dependent variable controlling for age, sex, and referral provider depicted: GAD-7 (females [P=0.02] and PN (p = 0.05) were associated with greater anxiety; PHQ-9 (PN [P=0.02] for higher levels of depressive symptoms; PHQ-15 (females [P=0.004] and PN [P=0.05] for greater levels of somatic symptoms); MH (PN [P=0.10] for lower quality of life). Conclusion: During the NC C-19 peak, GI-PSY patients referred by PN vs APP differed on baseline psychological status. GI-PSY female patients referred by PNs had more severe anxiety, depression, somatization, and lower levels of MH-related quality of life. Further investigation is warranted to identify factors associated with GI-PSY referral patterns among providers.

Gender differences in the reaction to COVID-19

ABSTRACT Since December 2019, COVID-19, has affected many aspects of people’s lives – women and men alike. The current study examined gender differences due to the pandemic-resultant-lockdown in psychiatric symptomatology (depression, anxiety, and somatization), coping strategies, levels of resilience, and belief in a just world (BJW). One-thousand-and-sixty-five Israeli adults (309 men and 756 women) were interviewed online during the time Israel was under its first mandatory lockdown (March 2020). Results indicated higher levels of anxiety, depression, and somatization among women (t (635.238) = -8.86, p < .001; t (606.414) = -5.31, p < .001; t (743.856) = -6.80; p < .001; respectively). More women stopped working due to the lockdown (Z = 2.08, p = .037), and fewer women reported their jobs being considered „essential„ (Z = 2.76, p = .006). Women were more concerned than men regarding the health of others (t (1063) = -2.71, p = .007) and regarding finances (t (1062) = -2.99, p = .003), but no gender differences were found regarding concerns for one’s own health. Women used more coping tactics, both emotion-focused (t (1062) = -8.20, p < .001) and problem-focused (t (1062) = -5.21, p < .001), than did men. Higher levels of resilience (t (1057) = 3.11, p = .002) and BJW (t (1047) = 5.19, p < .001) were found among men than among women. Being a woman, younger age, use of emotion-focused coping, lower levels of resilience, worries about the economic situation, and worries about family members’ health explained 43% of the variance in psychological distress. No significant interactions between gender, study variables, and psychological distress were found. These findings indicate that gender differences in psychological reactions may be due to the heavier toll taken by the pandemic and lockdown on the lives of women rather than to gender differences in coping tactics or resilience.

Presence of widespread pain predicts comorbidities and treatment response in temporomandibular disorders patients.

Investigate the presence of widespread pain in a well-defined TMD group and analyze its interrelationship with various comorbidities. Also, longitudinally seek the difference in treatment response according to the presence of widespread pain. The observational study involved 45 female TMD patients in their 20s. Patients were grouped into localized and widespread pain groups based on the widespread pain index (WPI≥4). Clinical characteristics and levels of comorbidities were analyzed through physical examination and validated questionnaires. Differences between the groups and the power of pre-treatment WPI in predicting pre-treatment comorbidities and post-treatment pain level improvement were statistically analyzed. Patients with widespread pain showed higher somatization and anxiety levels. SF-36 scores were significantly lower and more patients complained of gastrointestinal symptoms. Conventional treatment significantly reduced pain intensity in both groups but less in the widespread pain group. WPI showed significant chances to predict patients showing improvement in pain levels with treatment with a cutoff value of 4. WPI was also effective in differentiating patients that showed a higher level of somatization. Widespread pain index could be effectively applied in differentiating those with a higher level of psychological distress and predicting TMD treatment response with further investigations into its reliability.

ICD-11 'mixed depressive and anxiety disorder' is clinical rather than sub-clinical and more common than anxiety and depression in the general population.

BackgroundThe new International Classification of Diseases was published in 2018 (ICD‐11; World Health Organization, 2018) and now includes ‘Mixed depressive and anxiety disorder’ (6A73: MDAD) designated as a mood disorder. This disorder is defined by symptoms of both anxiety and depression occurring more days than not, for a period of two weeks, and neither set of symptoms considered separately reaches a diagnostic threshold for either disorder. However, to date no study has examined the validity of these guidelines in a general population sample.MethodsUsing Goldberg et al.’s (2017) guidelines regarding measurement of depression and anxiety, this study used factor mixture modelling (FMM) to examine the validity of the ICD‐11 criteria of MDAD. Symptom endorsement rates are provided as well as demographic predictors and somatization outcomes.ResultsFit indices suggested the two‐factor four‐class solution was the best balance between model complexity and model fit. The results did not support a class that is subsyndromal to both anxiety and depression. On the contrary, we suggest that there exists a ‘Comorbid’ class that represents endorsement of both anxiety and depression symptoms at a higher level when compared to both ‘anxiety’ and ‘depression’ groups. Demographic predictors, as well as somatization and functional impairment outcomes, provided support for this FMM solution.ConclusionsThe ‘Comorbid’ group was the largest symptomatic group and had the highest levels of both anxiety and depression symptoms. Importantly, this group was larger than either the ‘anxiety’ or ‘depression’ group and was associated with high levels of functional impairment and somatization.

Power and Efficacy of Maternal Voice in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Implicit Bias and Family-Centered Care.

Implicit bias can lead medical professionals in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to disregard mothers who are Black and economically disadvantaged as they advocate for their infants' health. Disregard can weaken underlying communication principles within the Family-Centered Care (FCC) model of pediatric health in NICUs and increase maternal distress. This study is the first to address communication disregard by examining mothers' perceived power and efficacy of voice with NICU doctors and nurses. We hypothesized that mothers who are Black and economically disadvantaged would report lower efficacy of voice and higher levels of distress as compared to White mothers with higher income. During pre-assessment within a small clinical trial of a parenting intervention, 33 racially and economically diverse mothers, from three Midwest NICUs serving the urban poor, responded to a 14-item measure of maternal power and efficacy of voice and measures of somatization, depression, anxiety and eating/sleeping disorders. Nonparametric examinations assessed the relation of power and efficacy of voice to maternal race, income, and distress. In contrast to White, higher-income mothers, Black, economically disadvantaged mothers reported lower perceived efficacy of voice with doctors (U = 74.5, d = 0.65) and nurses (U = 74.0; d = .0.66). These mothers with lower perceived efficacy with doctors and nurses, reported higher levels of somatization (U = 16.5, d = 1.14; U = 13.5, d = 1.38, respectively) and eating disorders (U = 14.0, d = 1.29; U = 12.0, d = 1.48, respectively). Study results are discussed within the framework of implicit bias in FCC in the NICU, expanding our understanding of effective communicationwith economically stressed,Black mothers.

Exposure to nature and mental health outcomes during COVID-19 lockdown. A comparison between Portugal and Spain

BackgroundTo control the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, countries around the world implemented lockdowns with varying intensities. Lockdowns, however, have been associated with a deterioration of mental health, including post-traumatic stress symptoms, anger and anxiety. Exposure to nature might reduce stress and provide relaxation opportunities. ObjectiveFirstly, we aimed to determine which sociodemographic, housing and lockdown-related characteristics were associated with changes in exposure to nature during the COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal and Spain. Secondly, we sought to estimate the associations of these changes with mental health, and test whether these associations differed according to sociodemographic characteristics and between the two countries, which experienced different restrictions and epidemiological situations. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between March 27 and May 6, 2020, using an online questionnaire to measure changes in exposure to nature (including private green space and other greenery, views of nature from home and public natural spaces); sociodemographic, housing and lockdown-related characteristics; stress levels (visual stress scale); psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire − 12 items) and somatization (somatization scale). Adjusted regression models were fitted to estimate associations. ResultsThis study included 3157 participants (1638 from Portugal, 1519 from Spain). In Portugal, maintaining/increasing the use of public natural spaces during the lockdown was associated with lower levels of stress (adjusted beta −0.29; 95%CI −0.49, −0.08) and maintaining/increasing the frequency of viewing nature from home was associated with reduced psychological distress (0.27; −0.51, −0.03), somatization (−0.79; −1.39, −0.20), and stress levels (−0.48; −0.74, −0.23). In Spain, maintaining/increasing contact with private green space and greenery was associated with lower stress levels: for contact with indoor plants (−0.52; −0.96, −0.07) and for use of private community green spaces (−0.82; −1.61, −0.03). ConclusionExposure to nature was associated with better mental health outcomes during lockdowns, but the natural features associated with improved mental health differed between the two countries. Nature should be incorporated into urban planning interventions and housing design and exposure to nature should be promoted during lockdowns.

Personality Variables as Predictors of Health Services Consumption.

Expenditure on healthcare and services can be a serious problem for public health. Personality variables should be included as indicators to be considered when studying the consumption of health resources and their planning. This study aims to identify the psychological and psychosocial variables that identify people who can be considered high consumers of health resources versus those who barely consume such resources. The sample was made up of a total of 1124 subjects; one half were men, and one half were women, all of legal age and residents in Spain. A battery of tests was created that included a questionnaire of sociodemographic variables and of healthcare consumption, as well as several psychological variables (Zimbardo Time Paradox Inventory, Multidimensional Locus of Control Scale, Psychological Reactance Scale, Coping Responses Inventory, self-efficacy scale applied to health, and the Symptom Checklist-90-R). The following variables of the model were significant predictors (p ≤ 0.05): a negative past, a fatalistic present, psychological cognitive reactance, behavioral coping, health self-efficacy, and the level of somatization. Data from the statistical analyses show how to create a psychological profile of people who are high consumers of healthcare resources that will allow for the creation of intervention programs in this regard.

Investigation of psychiatric symptoms in individuals in Turkey during the COVID-19 outbreak.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the psychiatric symptoms and the effective factors in individuals in Turkey during COVID‐19 outbreak.Design and MethodsThe descriptive study was conducted on individuals aged 18 and older living in Turkey. The questionnaire was prepared in Google form, and individuals were invited electronically.FindingsThe pandemic has affected the mental health of society adversely. Anxiety, depression, negative self, hostility, and somatization levels are higher in women, individuals under the age of 40, and those without children.Practice implicationsThese results will shed light on the planning of community mental health services.

Psychiatric basics of alopecia areata in pediatric patients: Evaluation of emotion dysregulation, somatization, depression, and anxiety levels.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a skin disease characterized by sudden-onset hair loss. The relationship between psychiatric status and AA has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate emotion dysregulation, somatization, depression, and anxiety levels in children and adolescents with AA. The study included 27 patients aged 8-18years diagnosed with AA, and an age and gender-matched control group consisting of 30 cases without a known chronic medical disease. All individuals were screened for existing psychiatric illnesses by a pediatric psychiatrist through the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). The patients were then evaluated using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-C), and Children Somatization Inventory (CSI-24). In addition, the patients' parents were asked to complete the Emotion Regulation Checklist-Family Form (ERC). When comparing the scale scores of the AA and control group, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the Emotional Lability/Negativity subscale scores on ERC. K-SADSPL ratios denoted features of at least one psychiatric condition in 62.9% and 16.6% of the AA group and control group, respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of psychiatric evaluation in patients with AA. Our study also reveals the need for further studies with a larger sample of AA patients being evaluated in terms of emotion regulation.

Overlap of Rome IV Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Dyspepsia and Effect on Natural History: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

Disorders of gut-brain interaction, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD), frequently overlap, but the impact of this on the natural history is unknown. We examined this issue in a longitudinal follow-up study conducted in a large cohort of individuals. We collected complete demographic, symptom, mood, and psychological health data from 1374 adults who self-identified as having IBS. We applied the Rome IV criteria to examine what proportion met criteria for IBS and FD, as well as the degree of overlap between them. At 12 months, we collected data regarding IBS symptom severity and impact, consultation behavior, treatments commenced, and psychological health according to degree of overlap between IBS and FD. Overall, 807 individuals met the Rome IV criteria for IBS at baseline and provided complete data. At study entry, overlap of FD occurred in 446 (55.3%) people who met Rome IV criteria for IBS. At 12 months, 451 (55.9%) individuals were successfully followed up. The proportion of individuals consulting their primary care physician (P= .001) or a gastroenterologist (P < .001) because of their IBS was significantly higher in those with overlap of IBS and FD, and the number of new IBS treatments commenced was significantly higher (P= .007). Those with overlap of IBS and FD reported significantly more severe IBS symptoms (P < .001), continuous abdominal pain, and that their IBS symptoms limited normal daily activities ≥50% of the time. Finally, those with overlap were more likely to report abnormal anxiety and depression scores at 12 months compared with those with IBS alone, and to have higher levels of somatization (P < .001 for all analyses). The natural history of people with IBS with overlap FD defined according to Rome IV criteria is more severe than those with IBS alone. This has important implications for future treatment trials in IBS.

Changes in moral decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionStress can influence moral decisions.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether the stress experienced by people during the COVID-19 pandemic can change moral decision making.Methods311 respondents took part in the Internet survey 30.03.20-31.05.20, including SCL-90-R, and a subset of moral dilemmas proposed by Greene J.D (30 dilemmas in Russian), with «footbridge dilemma» among them as a personal dilemma and «trolley dilemma» as impersonal. The relationship of utilitarian personal dilemmas choices with psychopathological characteristics was analyzed. Personal moral dilemma choices were considered separately, in subgroups with a high level of somatization (N=107) and a high level of psychopathological symptoms (N=76).ResultsThe results showed an increase in personal dilemmas choices: 2.84 mean utilitarian choice in March - April and 3.17 in May (Univariate Analysis of Variance, age, gender as Covariates, p&lt;0.01). At the beginning of the study the groups did not differ in the number of utilitarian personal choices, and at the end of the study the number of personal choices increased in the subgroup with a high level of psychopathology (4.7 utilitarian choices in May) and became statistically higher than in other groups (ANOVA with Bonferonni correction). In the subgroup with a high level of somatization, personal choices slightly decreased by the end of the survey (2.68 choices).ConclusionsThe level of stress during the COVID-19 ambiguously affects moral decisions: a higher level of psychopathological symptoms leads to an increase in utilitarian choices and a high level of somatization leads to a decrease in utilitarian choices.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Indicadores De Ansiedad, Depresión, Somatización Y Evitación Experiencial En Estudiantes Universitarios Del Perú En Cuarentena Por COVID-19

Introduction: The COVID-19 quarantine has greatly affected university students in Peru, generating a series of physical, psychological and behavioral effects. Objective: To determine the factors associated with anxiety, depression, somatization and experiential avoidance in peruvian university students quarantined by COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out. The sample was made up of 1264 university students from various departments of Peru, anxiety, depression, somatization and experiential avoidance were taken as dependent variables, which were evaluated with the questionnaire "The Inventory of unadjusted psychosocial behavior, in the presence of COVID-19 in the Peruvian population” and the AAQ II, for the statistical analysis the chi square was used Results: More than half of the university students in Peru present between 3 and 6 of the 6 anxiety indicators, and this same number of depression indicators is presented by 45% of the sample. 30% of the sample has between 3 and 6 indicators of somatization and 40.3% of the sample is located in the middle upwards on the experiential avoidance scale. Conclusions: There are differences in the levels of anxiety, somatization and experiential avoidance between men and women, it was also found that older students had lower levels of anxiety, depression and experiential avoidance, but not in somatization.

Increased psychological distress and somatization in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared with functional diarrhea or functional constipation, based on Rome IV criteria.

The Rome IV criteria for disorders of gut-brain interaction define irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a functional bowel disorder associated with frequent abdominal pain of at least 1day per week. In contrast, functional diarrhea (FD) and functional constipation (FC) are relatively painless. We compared differences in mood and somatization between Rome IV IBS and FC/FD. A total of 567 patients with Rome IV defined IBS or FD/FC completed a baseline questionnaire on demographics, abdominal pain frequency, mood (hospital anxiety and depression scale, HADS), and somatization (patient health questionnaire, PHQ-12). The primary analysis compared differences in mood and somatization between IBS and FC/FD, and the relative influence of abdominal pain frequency on these extra-intestinal symptoms. The secondary analysis evaluated differences across individual IBS subtypes, and also between FC and FD. Patients with IBS-in comparison to those with FC/FD-had significantly higher mean PHQ-12 somatization scores (9.1 vs. 5.4), more somatic symptoms (6.0 vs. 4.3), abnormally high somatization levels (16% vs. 3%), higher HADS score (15.0 vs. 11.7), and clinically abnormal levels of anxiety (38% vs. 20%) and depression (17% vs. 10%). Increasing abdominal pain frequency correlated positively with PHQ-12, number of somatic symptoms, and HADS; p<0.001. No differences in mood and somatization scores were seen between individual IBS subtypes, and nor between FC and FD. Based on the Rome IV criteria, IBS is associated with increased levels of psychological distress and somatization compared with FD or FC. Patients reporting frequent abdominal pain should be comprehensively screened for psychosomatic disorders, with psychological therapies considered early in the disease course.

Symptoms within somatization after sexual abuse among women: A scoping review.

Somatization, defined as a number of medically unexplained physical symptoms for many years, is a resource-intensive condition with much suffering. Adult somatization has been linked to childhood trauma in both men and women. Among women, sexual trauma affects somatization level to a greater extent than nonsexual trauma. Early diagnosis of a somatization disorder would be of great help for both patients and society. The purpose of this scoping review is to map and summarize the literature on symptoms within somatization in women who have been sexually abused, and investigate if any specific symptom can be linked to previous sexual abuse. A scoping review methodology was used. The databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched for original qualitative and quantitative research published between 2008 and 2019 that matched the objectives of the review. The database search identified 195 articles, of which 43 were retrieved in full text. Seven articles were included, involving 2076 women. All studies were quantitative. The included studies were heterogeneous. Four studies showed inconsistent findings regarding a link between sexual abuse and chronic or acute pain. Two studies showed an association between sexual abuse and increased incidence of somatic symptoms. One study showed an association between sexual abuse and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. No specific somatic symptoms in somatization were identifiable within the scope of this study. This is to our knowledge the first scoping review on sexual abuse and symptoms of somatization. The findings suggest a link between sexual abuse and somatic symptoms, but the identified association with pain and irritable bowel syndrome is inconsistent. No studies have clearly identified specific symptoms within somatization associated with sexual abuse. Qualitative research on the topic was identified as a knowledge gap.

Mental Health and Coping in the Shadow of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Israeli Case.

The COVID-19 pandemic caught the entire world off guard. Israel, similar to all other nations, was forced to cope with the unknown. “Flattening the curve” of infections has become a common term among specialists and decision makers, while explaining restricting measurements taken toward the population. Israelis, who had previously learned to deal with life under constant security threat, are now facing a new reality. The purpose of the study was to check how Israelis are psychologically affected by and coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 925 Israelis divided into three groups: ages 18–29, 30–59, and 60–88. The data were collected between March 31 and April 8, 2020, when it was already clear that this is a global plague, the country's borders were closed, and the government's directive for citizens was to remain at home while imposing limitations on the public and private sectors. The current study examined psychological distress among the three age groups as well as the associations between levels of distress, resilience, and coping strategies. Levels of distress were measured via the BSI-18 that measures anxiety, depression, and somatization. Resilience was measured using the Connor-Davidson CD-RISC scale. Coping was measured by the short version of the COPE. Psychological distress was associated with being in a younger age group, being a woman, having economic concerns, use of emotion and problem focused coping, and lower resilience. The study also found that concern for the health of family members was the strongest concern among all age groups but was highest among the younger age group. It was also found that those in the younger age group suffered from higher levels of depression, anxiety, and somatization compared to the older age group. The middle age group suffered from elevated levels of anxiety and somatization compared to the older age group. Although the older age group was the most vulnerable to the coronavirus, in this study age was found to be a protective factor from psychological distress. The results of the study suggest the need to consider the younger age group as a risk group, which hence needs to be addressed as the focus of intervention programs. It appears that the concern for their loved ones takes a heavy toll on the younger generation, and this should be considered a major source of stress.

Povezanost poremećaja rada štitaste žlezde i pojave somatskih simptoma kod obolelih

Introduction: The thyroid gland is one of the most important endocrine glands that has the function of releasing hormones that regulate metabolism in adults. Thyroid hormones act directly or indirectly on almost all systems in the body, so they can negatively affect the health of an individual, who have a high risk of developing disorders in psychosomatic symptoms. The occurrence of somatization in patients can be accompanied by a direct impact of thyroid disorders on certain organs and systems, but it can also be non-specific in relation to the disease itself. Objective: To examine the relationship between different disorders of the thyroid gland and the occurrence of somatic symptoms in patients, according to age, body mass index and length of treatment. Material and methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study in 221 outpatients with thyroid disease at the Special Hospital for Thyroid Diseases and Metabolic Diseases "Zlatibor", from February to July 2018. In addition to the sociodemographic questionnaire, a four-dimensional symptom questionnaire subscale (4DSQ) was used in the study to assess the occurrence and level of somatization in subjects. Results: There is an association between different thyroid disorders and a high score on the somatization scale (16.05 ± 8.34), in 69.7% of subjects. In our subjects, the most pronounced somatic symptoms have subjects with hypothyroidism (M = 17.5; as = 16.44 ± 8.26), subjects over 61 years (19.29 ± 8.29). Musculoskeletal somatic symptoms were expressed in 72.4% of subjects. Pronounced somatization (19.40 ± 8.32) have subjects who have elevated body mass index values (35-39.9), as well as subjects who have been treated for thyroid disease for more than ten years (19.7 ± 8.7). Conclusion: This study showed that there is an association between thyroid disorders and the appearance of somatic symptoms in patients. In patients, there are moderate somatic symptoms that are associated with age, body mass index and length of treatment.