Psychosomatic Profiles Research Articles

Mental health profiles of 15-year-old adolescents in the Nordic Countries from 2002 to 2022: person-oriented analyses

BackgroundStudies of time trends in Nordic adolescents' mental health have often relied on analyses of adolescents’ psychosomatic symptoms. In this study, we examine adolescents' self-reports on mental health in the context of the dual factor model, which encompasses both overt manifestations of mental health symptoms and subjective perception of one's health status.MethodThe objective of this study was to employ a person-oriented approach utilizing cluster analysis to discern time trends in mental health profiles of Nordic adolescents, using their psychosomatic complaints and their perception of their overall health as cluster variables. The resulting health profiles were then subjected to a comparative analysis with regard to different measures of psychological and social adjustment. The mental health profiles were based on data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, which was conducted among almost 50000 15-year-olds in five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) between 2002 and 2022.ResultsMental health profiles exhibiting comparable content were observed in all Nordic countries, including profiles indicating adequate health, perceived good health, perceived poor health, high psychosomatic complaints, and dual health problems (defined as both high psychosomatic complaints and perceived poor health). These health profiles showed similar trends over time in the Nordic countries. Significant gender differences were observed. In 2002, adequate health was the dominant profile for both sexes. After 20 years, however, the high psychosomatic profile became the most common profile among girls. Among the three risk profiles, namely perceived poor health, high psychosomatic complaints and dual health problems, adolescents in the dual problems profile had the most psychological and social adjustment problems.ConclusionsThe comparatively lower incidence of adjustment problems among adolescents in the high psychosomatic profile relative to the dual mental health group challenges the prevailing view that there has been a sharp increase in mental health problems among Nordic adolescents. This view was largely based on the observed rise in psychosomatic symptoms. Indeed, there was a doubling in the proportion of adolescents in the high psychosomatic complaints profile between 2002 and 2022. This increase was considerably more pronounced than that observed for the dual health problems profile which exhibited most problems.

Four-year follow-up of psychiatric and psychosomatic profile in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Psychological characterization of patients affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) focuses on comorbidity with psychiatric disorders, somatization or alexithymia. Whereas IBD patients had higher risk of stable anxiety and depression for many years after the diagnosis of the disease, there is a lack of studies reporting a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment addressing factors of disease vulnerability, also in the long-term. The objective of this investigation is to fill this gap in the current literature. The aims were thus to assess: a) changes between baseline and a 4-year follow-up in psychiatric diagnoses (SCID), psychosomatic syndromes (DCPR), psychological well-being (PWB-I), lifestyle, gastrointestinal symptoms related to IBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms b) stability of psychiatric and psychosomatic syndromes at 4-year follow-up. A total of 111 IBD outpatients were enrolled; 59.5% of them participated at the follow-up. A comprehensive assessment, including both interviews and self-report questionnaires, was provided at baseline and follow-up. Results showed increased psychiatric diagnoses, physical activity, consumption of vegetables and IBS-like symptoms at follow-up. Additionally, whereas psychiatric diagnoses were no longer present and new psychopathological pictures ensued at follow-up, more than half of the sample maintained psychosomatic syndromes (particularly allostatic overload, type A behavior, demoralization) from baseline to follow-up. Long-term presence/persistence of such psychosocial burden indicates the need for integrating a comprehensive psychosomatic evaluation beyond traditional psychiatric nosography in IBD patients. Moreover, since psychosomatic syndromes represent vulnerability factors of diseases, further studies should target subgroups of patients presenting with persistent psychosomatic syndromes and worse course of the disease.

Physical management in algodystrophy syndrome

Aim: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterised by chronic pain, swelling, and vasomotor dysfunction. The disorder often gradually leads to muscle dystrophy, bone defects, and decreased limb function. The etiology of this condition has not been fully established. Aim. To analyse the physical therapy in CRPS patients treated at the Division of Physical Medicine of the Department of Rehabilitation in 2012-2022. Materials and Methods: The study involved a group of 58 patients after distal epiphyseal fractures of the forearm and crus. Testing concerned the following: hand or foot skin temperature, hand grip strength, pain intensity, bone radiographs, and psychosomatic profile according to Zung’s scale. Physical therapy included whirlpool massage, lidocaine and calcium iontophoresis, variable low frequency magnetic fields, and kinesiotherapy. Results: After 6-week treatment, we achieved full clinical improvement in 82% of the patients and partial improvement in 18% (these were patients in whom the treatment was introduced at an advanced stage of the disorder). Conclusions: 1. Complex regional pain syndrome is a difficult clinical problem. 2. Early diagnosis and introduction of focused physical therapy allow for full restoration of limb function.

Anxiety Trait and Psychosomatic Profile of Nursing Students Regarding the Risk of Depression in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic

Anxiety Trait and Psychosomatic Profile of Nursing Students Regarding the Risk of Depression in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic

Hypnotic suggestion for the treatment of tinnitus

Aim of study. Considering the high spreading of tinnitus in population, the purpose of our research was to study the possibility and expediency of using hypnosuggestive therapy in treatment of tinnitus. Material and methods. The study included 55 people with tinnitus complaints. We divided three groups of patients depending on the severity of the manifestations, audiometry results, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score according to this scale of severity, results of GAD-7 test and the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire -9). Results. In the first group of patients, according to the tinnitus severity scale the score was up to 19 points and was considered as insignificant and mild. The score of the GAD-7 questionnaire was less than 8 points, PHQ-9 - up to 5 points. In the second group the severity of tinnitus was moderate and severe and counted more than 38 points. The GAD-7 questionnaire score was less than 8 points, PHQ-9 - up to 5 points. In the third group, 12 people complained of chronic tinnitus, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and reduced work capacity. The score of tinnitus severity in patients of this group was more than 58 points and was assessed as severe and catastrophic. According to the results of the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaires, all 12 people were diagnosed with anxiety disorders and depression, two parients even had suicidal thoughts. In the third group of patients with +++ hypnotability, after ten sessions of individual hypno-suggestive therapy, it was possible to reduce the severity of tinnitus to the third moderate degree in 7 people. 4 patients reported about complete regress of tinnitus. Conclusions. Tinnitus is a common problem and can negatively affect work, family and social life. It requires the individual approach and involvement of specialists of various profiles in the diagnostic process. The diagnostic algorithm for patients with tinnitus should include questionnaires to estimate the psychosomatic profile. The use of hypno-suggestive therapy can significantly reduce the severity of tinnitus and improve the quality of lives of patients.

Insurance Advisor As A Career Choice For Undergraduate Students

The government of India opened up for free Private sector intervention in the Insurance sector in the year 1999. This resulted in a number of new private Insurance companies coming up with innovative products, customized package, quality customer service and more job opportunities for graduates. This article expresses the factors which influence the graduating students to select insurance advisor as their future career. The variables identified are student’s psychosomatic profile, academic performance, financial rewards and its stimulus on job choice and the influence of knowledge related to insurance and the rapport with an insurance advisor to their career selection. The study is directed toward three main objectives. The primary objective is to identify the factors which sway the career selection of students. Second, is to propose inputs to the insurance industries to attract more sale force. Third, is to find out the factors which will give better retention of the advisor workforce.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Black South African Women toward Menopause: Impact of Culture and Traditions

ABSTRACT Introduction Vasomotor symptoms of menopause could affect the quality-of-life of most women. The understanding of menopause by African women and the coping mechanisms of these women are essential factors that may be influenced by culture and traditions. This study has evaluated the psychosomatic and sociodemographic profiles of menopausal black South African women in order to ascertain the role played by their culture and traditions during the menopausal years. Materials and methods The study was carried out at three periurban districts close to the city of Pretoria, South Africa. A qualitative, prospective, community-based, cohort study was conducted over a 2-year period. The targeted population included women between 40 and 80 years, and each woman was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic, psychosomatic profiles of the women as well as cultural and traditional beliefs relating to menopause were documented. The data from the study were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results Totally, 450 women were interviewed: 250 (perimenopausal) and 200 (postmenopausal). The ages of the women ranged between 42.5 and 50.8 years (perimenopausal) and between 51.5 and 68.4 years for postmenopausal women. Only 20% of the women interviewed for the study had no formal education and 78% of them were financially independent. The percentage of the women who had an understanding of menopause and expressed cultural explanations for it was 96%. The women explained the impact of support systems on which they relied and by which their attitudes toward menopause were greatly influenced. Knowledge of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its importance in the alleviation of vasomotor symptomatology ranged between 80 and 84%, yet the women were reluctant to seek medical remedy for their vasomotor symptoms. Conclusion The study provides insight into the impact that traditions and culture of black South African women have on their capacity to cope with menopause. How to cite this article Matsela L, Towobola O, Mokgokong ET. Knowledge and Attitudes of Black South African Women toward Menopause: Impact of Culture and Traditions. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(2):117-122.

Psychological correlates of vasovagal versus medically unexplained syncope

ObjectivePsychiatric morbidity is quite common in vasovagal syncope (VVS), but findings are sometimes contradictory. Among patients with suspected VVS, up to 40% has a negative response to Head-Up Tilt test (HUT), the cause of syncope remaining unexplained (US). The authors evaluated and compared the psychological and psychosomatic profile in patients with positive (VVS) and negative HUT (US). MethodA consecutive series of 67 patients with suspected VVS underwent HUT: 45 patients had a positive HUT, 22 negative. They were evaluated by means of observer- and self-rated measures. ResultsOf the total sample, 95.5% had at least one Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnosis or one psychosomatic syndrome, such as specific and social phobias, illness denial and demoralization. Comparing VVS and US patients, no statistical differences on diagnoses' frequencies were found. However, the US group had significantly poorer health habits, lower levels of well-being and higher psychological distress. They also reported to be more anxious, depressed and hostile. VVS patients were significantly more blood and social phobic than US patients. ConclusionDespite similar and remarkable observer-rated psychopathology, US patients reported higher self-perceived psychological distress than VVS patients. Psychological evaluation of patients undergoing HUT should incorporate both clinical and subclinical methods to better address syncope management.

Pathogenesis of pain in chronic pancreatitis: ongoing enigma.

The pathogenesis of pain in chronic pancreatitis remains an enigma. The cause of pain is almost certainly multifactorial and may vary at different stages of the disease process. These factors may include the release of excessive oxygen-derived free radicals, tissue hypoxia and acidosis, inflammatory infiltration with influx of pain transmittent substances into damaged nerve ends, and the development of pancreatic ductal and tissue fluid hypertension due to morphological changes of the pancreas. Investigations into the causes of pain have been limited by changes in the dynamics with the progression of the disease process, limitations in studying functional and morphological changes of the pancreas in the clinical setting, and the psychosomatic profile of patients. Many of these patients are addicted to alcohol, and suffer from personality disorders. The difficulty in quantifying pain, which is at best subjective, further compounds the issue, especially when assessing the efficacy of treatment.

Valoración de la semiología psicosomática en hipertensos tratados con lercanidipino (estudio LERCAPSICO)

To value the grade of anxiety and psychosomatic semiology in hypertensive patients treated with lercanidipine and to analyse their evolution. A secondary objective is to carry out a pharmacovigilance study with lercanidipine. Prospective multicentre observational 6 month study in primary hypertensive patients with SBP between 140-180 mm Hg and/or 90-110 mm Hg DBP. After a washout period of 10 days, treatment with 10 mg (1-0-0) lercanidipine is initiated. If BP is not controlled treatment with ramipril 2.5 mg/day is instaured. Clinical check-ups are carried periodically with measurements of BP, Heart Rate, objective valuation of tolerance to the drug and observance. At the initiation and end of the study biochemical check-ups are carried out, the level of anxiety is measured using the STAI questionnaire (Trait subscale) (Evaluation in decatipes 0-4 without ansiety 4-7 moderate ansiety, 7-10 high ansiety) and the psychosomatic profile with a questionnaire designed by this group. (Scale 0-18; 0 large semiology, 18 without semiology). Clinical tolerance to the drug is valued both subjectively and objectively. On included 538 patients. On registred 54 drop out, with side effects (3.75/). Completed the study 484 (237 M, 247 F), 429 of them with Lercanidipine in monotherapy (88.6/). Mean age 60.9 +/- 10.7. Mean BMI 29.1 +/- 5. The grade of anxiety did not alter during the study passing from 4.6 +/- 1.7 at the beginning of the study to 4.5 +/- 1.7 at the end of the study (valuation in decatypes) (ns). The psychosomatic semiology changed favourably from 10.7 +/-4.2 to 12.5 +/- 3.7 (p<0.00005). The evolution according to sex is similar. The mean SBP decreased from 165.6 +/- 12.2 mm Hg to 137.9 +/- 10.4 mm Hg (p<0.00005) and the mean DBP decreased from 96.5 +/- 8.1 mm Hg to 81.0 +/- 6.1 mm Hg (p<0.00005). Clinical tolerance was very good. Biochemical parameters were modified substantially: initial cholesterolemia 227.7 mg/dl and final cholesterolemia 213.6 mg/dl (p<0.00005); initial glucose 108.4 mg/dl and final glucose 105.7 mg/dl (p<0.00005). The mean level of anxiety in the group studied is confirmed not to vary during the length of the study. Psychosomatic semiology is reduced being statistically significant. Lercanidipine is shown to be very effective as antihypertensive and well tolerated. 164

補綴臨床実習生の心理的側面について

Cornell Medical Index (CMI), Manifest Anxiety Scale (MAS) and Yatabe-Guilford Character test (Y-G test) were carried out on 165 dental students in the course of clinical prosthetics to understand the psychological changes after study in this course. According to the Y-G profile patterns, in male students, the ratio of A, B, C, D, E and F types were 12.6, 6.7, 14.8, 63.0, 2.2 and 0.007%, and in female students, 6.9, 34.5, 17.2, 34.5 and 6.9% respectively. From the results of CMI, most of the students were stable after study in this course. Psychosomatic profile patterns of CMI before study were similar to those after in both sexes. All items of CMI were decreased in males, but some items were not decreased in females. Anxiety measured by MAS was decreased in many students but was increased in some students after study in this course. These results indicate that it is necessary to be concerned with the mental as well as physical well-being in unstable students.