Psychosomatic Symptoms Research Articles

Elite athletes’ achievement goals, burnout levels, psychosomatic stress symptoms, and coping strategies

ABSTRACT Elite athletes undergo intensive training and competitive pressure to succeed, making them susceptible to professional strain. However, they differ in their subjective reactions in the form of burnout levels and psychosomatic stress symptoms. Following a motivational perspective, these differences may be explained by the goals that athletes pursue. The current study therefore examined the effects of elite athletes’ achievement goals on their burnout levels and psychosomatic stress symptoms, and to what extent they can be explained by athletes’ use of adaptive coping strategies. Based on the answers of 125 German elite athletes, path modelling revealed that mastery approach goals were negatively associated with burnout levels and psychosomatic stress symptoms, while mastery avoidance and performance approach goals were positively associated with burnout levels. Coping strategies partially mediated the effects of mastery approach goals on burnout levels and psychosomatic stress symptoms. These findings suggest practical implications for supporting elite athletes through goal setting processes.

Associations of mental health with driving while impaired and risky driving in emerging adults

Objective Examined cross-sectional associations of driving while impaired (DWI) and risky driving with mental and psychosomatic health among U.S. emerging adults. Methods Data were from years 1–4 after high school (waves 4–7) of the NEXT Generation Health Study, a nationally representative study starting with 10th grade (2009–2010). Outcome variables were DWI (dichotomous variable: 1 day vs. 0 days in the last 30 days) and risky driving Checkpoints Self-Reported Risky Driving Scale (C-RDS). Independent variables included depressive symptoms and psychosomatic symptoms. Multivariate logistic and linear regressions were conducted with complex survey features considered. Results Higher depressive and psychosomatic symptoms were associated with modestly higher likelihood of DWI (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] ranged from 1.02 to 1.03 and from 1.04 to 1.05, respectively) and higher C-RDS scores (b ranged from 0.06 to 0.12 and from 0.08 to 0.23, respectively) in years 1–4 after high school. Conclusions Depressive and psychosomatic symptoms were associated with greater DWI and risky driving in all 4 years after high school. Negative mental and psychosomatic health should be targeted components of DWI and risky driving prevention to lower fatal motor vehicle crashes among emerging adults.

My Health Diary, a School-Based Well-Being Program: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: A positive transition to adulthood entails developing the individual and social skills needed to cope with critical situations. The “My Health Diary” program was designed as a school-based and teacher-led intervention focusing on the active engagement of 12- to 13-year-old pre-adolescents. The study analyzes the role of several primary variables (psychological well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, health status), secondary variables (health-risk behaviors, prosocial behavior, academic success, physical and verbal aggression), and mediator variables of emotional and social skills in terms of empathic and social self-efficacy, and satisfaction with school. Methods: Sixty schools were involved, divided into control groups (N = 29) and intervention groups (N = 31). The program was administered only to the intervention group. Of the 2306 students at the baseline, 2078 were still involved at post-intervention 6 months later. Results: The program was not found to have significant effects on the primary outcome variables and most of the secondary variables. For the mediators, however, the association was stronger for the girls in the intervention group, and there was a statistically significant difference in the empathic skills shown by girls, who reported higher levels than boys. Conclusions: The program was found to have encouraging effects on some mediators and in enhancing socio-relational and emotional skills among pre-adolescents.

Eye gaze differences in school scenes between preschool children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development

BackgroundChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience difficulty adapting to daily life in a preschool or school settings and are likely to develop psychosomatic symptoms. For a better understanding of the difficulties experienced daily by preschool children and adolescents with ASD, this study investigated differences in eye gaze behavior in the classroom environment between children with ASD and those with typical development (TD).MethodsThe study evaluated 30 children with ASD and 49 children with TD. Participants were presented with images of a human face and a classroom scene. While they gazed at specific regions of visual stimuli, eye tracking with an iView X system was used to evaluate and compare the duration of gaze time between the two groups.ResultsCompared with preschool children with TD, preschool children with ASD spent less time gazing at the eyes of the human face and the object at which the teacher pointed in the classroom image. Preschool children with TD who had no classroom experience tended to look at the object the teacher pointed at in the classroom image.ConclusionChildren with ASD did not look at the human eyes in the facial image or the object pointed at in the classroom image, which may indicate their inability to analyze situations, understand instruction in a classroom, or act appropriately in a group. This suggests that this gaze behavior of children with ASD causes social maladaptation and psychosomatic symptoms. A therapeutic approach that focuses on joint attention is desirable for improving the ability of children with ASD to adapt to their social environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on sub-urban society in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A qualitative study

Indonesia is the country which has the most COVID-19 cases in South East Asia. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing serious psychological, social, and economic impacts particularly on the sub-urban society. This study aimed to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sub-urban society in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study used a hermeneutics phenomenological approach. that enrolled seven participants who reside in the sub-urban area of Yogyakarta province in June 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants through Whatsapp mobile application and analyzed using interpretive phenomenological methods. Results showed that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can be summarized into three themes. First, the impacts include negative emotions that arise due to psychosomatic symptoms, fear of losing loved ones, stereotypes and anxiety concerning contracting COVID-19 infection; Second, limited social interaction in the community and strict travel restrictions; and third, job and income losses including layoffs from work and fear of not being able to meet family basic needs. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing several serious impacts involving psychological, social, and economic concerns that are disrupting the sub-urban society. Individual coping and family support are needed in the current situation.

The potential role of network-oriented interventions for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence among asylum seekers in Belgium

BackgroundSocial support and social network members have been identified as an important factor in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving the coping process for many survivors. Network oriented strategies have been advocated for among domestic violence survivors, as they help build on improving social support and addressing factors that alleviate repeat victimization. There are opportunities to implement such strategies among asylum seekers who are survivors of SGBV in asylum centres, however, this has not been fully explored. This study sought to identify key strategies and opportunities for developing peer-led and network-oriented strategies for mitigating the effects of SGBV among asylum seekers at these centres.MethodsTwenty-seven interviews, were conducted with service providers (n = 14) / asylum seekers (n = 13) at three asylum centres in Belgium. A theoretical model developed by the research team from a literature review and discussions with experts and stakeholders, was used as a theoretical framework to analyse the data. An abduction approach with qualitative content analysis was used by the two researchers to analyse the data. Data triangulation was done with findings from observations at these centres over a period of a year.ResultsMany of the asylum seekers presented with PTSD or psychosomatic symptoms, because of different forms of SGBV, including intimate partner violence, or other trauma experienced during migration. Peer and family support were very influential in mitigating the effects and social costs of violence among the asylum seekers by providing emotional and material support. Social assistants were viewed as an information resource that was essential for most of the asylum seekers. Peer-peer support was identified as a potential tool for mitigating the effects of SGBV.ConclusionInterventions involving asylum seekers and members of their network (especially peers), have the potential for improving physical and mental health outcomes of asylum seekers who are SGBV survivors.

Academic stress, coping, emotion regulation, affect and psychosomatic symptoms in higher education

This study aimed to examine the associations between perceived stress, coping, emotion dysregulation, affect and psychosomatic symptoms in higher education. Participants were 183 first-year undergraduates (84% female) that completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Brief-COPE, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the PANAS, and the Manifestations of Physical Discomfort Questionnaire. Significant gender differences were found in perceived stress and psychosomatic symptoms (both higher in women), and in coping (emotional vs. humour support strategies higher for women and men, respectively). Process analysis showed that emotion dysregulation partially mediated the association between perceived stress and affect and psychosomatic symptoms. Only positive reframing partially mediated the association between perceived stress and positive affect. Emotion dysregulation seems to play an important role in the development of negative affect and psychosomatic symptoms in higher education students. This could encourage institutions to promote developmental programs targeting emotion regulation to support students in the transition to higher education.

An Integrated Treatment of Psychosomatic Symptoms and Disorders of the Self: The Role of Alexithymia

This paper explores the age-old problem of the mind-body relationship by examining the phenomena of psychosomatic symptoms. It traces the development of several clinical concepts that are relevant to our understanding and treatment of patients with psychosomatic symptoms. These concepts include embodiment, alexithymia, affect development and disorders of the self. Brain-based research findings reinforce the contemporary relational turn of psychoanalytic psychology, shifting one’s lens to the intersubjective interaction within the consulting room. A confluence of findings from research and theory thus emerge, suggesting that affect development is an intersubjective experience subject to reconceptualization and change based on one’s relational experiences, including the clinical relationship. A case study illustrates how contemporary psychoanalytic thinking and research findings can be integrated and applied to our clinical practice.

Psychosomatic symptoms affect radiotherapy setup errors in early breast cancer patients.

ObjectiveTo examine the trajectory of psychosomatic symptoms and to explore the impact of psychosomatic symptoms on setup error in patients undergoing breast cancer radiotherapy.MethodsA total of 102 patients with early breast cancer who received initial radiotherapy were consecutively recruited. The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and three different anxiety scales, i.e., the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), were used in this study. The radiotherapy setup errors were measured in millimetres by comparing the real-time isocratic verification film during radiotherapy with the digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR). Patients completed the assessment at three time points: before the initial radiotherapy (T1), before the middle radiotherapy (T2), and before the last radiotherapy (T3).ResultsThe SAS and STAI-State scores of breast cancer patients at T1 were significantly higher than those at T2 and T3 (F=24.44, P<0.001; F=30.25, P<0.001). The core symptoms of MDASI were positively correlated with anxiety severity. The setup errors of patients with high SAS scores were greater than those of patients with low anxiety levels at T1 (Z=−2.01, P=0.044). We also found that higher SAS scores were associated with a higher risk of radiotherapy setup errors at T1 (B=0.458, P<0.05).ConclusionsThis study seeks to identify treatment-related psychosomatic symptoms and mitigate their impact on patients and treatment. Patients with early breast cancer experienced the highest level of anxiety before the initial radiotherapy, and then, anxiety levels declined. Patients with high somatic symptoms of anxiety may have a higher risk of radiotherapy setup errors.

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.

Burnout among Physicians in Egypt during COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Physician burnout is considered a great public health problem, and the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic made it worse. The pandemic put several physical and emotional stressors on the frontline healthcare providers leading to increased burnout. Aim of work: was to assess the prevalence of burnout and its predictors among frontline physicians in Egypt during COVID 19 pandemic and evaluating the relation between burnout, its subscales, and psychosomatic symptoms. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed 503 Egyptian physicians for burnout between the 26th of March 2020 to the 1st of June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic weeks, using the online form of Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI]. Results: 72.8% of study subjects were classified as having a high burnout level and 26.0% as having an average level. 62.2% and 62.4% of studied physicians had high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization levels, respectively, and 43.5 % had low personal achievement levels. Dealing with critical cases, dealing with suspected cases of COVID 19, the number of shifts per month, and the presence of psychosomatic disorders were the significant positive predictors for total burnout score while dealing with critical cases, the number of shifts per month, and the presence of psychosomatic disorders were the significant positive predictors for emotional exhaustion. Significantly higher scores of psychosomatic disorders were observed among physicians with a high level of burnout, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization subscales. Conclusion: It could be concluded that dealing with critical cases, suspected and confirmed cases of COVID 19 were significant positive predictors for total burnout score. The high levels of overall burnout and its subscales indicate the need for specific intervention programs to cope with the work-related stressors.

Burnout and its correlates among nursing staff of intensive care units at a tertiary care center.

Background:Burnout syndrome has been widely reported in nursing staff. It is more pronounced in intensive care setting (up to 80%). This survey was designed to assess the prevalence of burnout and its correlates among critical care nurses.Methods:Anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all ICU nursing staff of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Questionnaire had 25 questions covering – demography, job characteristics, Visual Analogue Scale for stress, co-worker support, work–life balance, question for measuring burnout, job satisfaction, turnover intention, organizational commitment, for depression screening and psychosomatic symptoms. The burnout scale score was used to dichotomize into low burnout (<3) or high burnout (> = 3) group. These two groups were compared using Chi-square test, Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and independent t-test for continuous variables. Significant variables were entered in multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:Out of 150 ICU nurses, 125 (83.3%) gave completely filled questionnaires which were evaluated. 47 (37.6%) participants reported experiencing high burnout. Binary logistic regression model revealed that lack of specialized ICU training (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.62 to 11.34, P = 0.003), performing extra duty in last month (OR = 5.28, 95% CI: 1.90 to 14.67, P = 0.001), High physical symptoms in last 12 months (OR = 4.73, 95% CI: 1.56 to 14.36, P = 0.006) and mid-level experience (1–5 years) were significantly associated with burnout.Conclusions:Burnout is significantly prevalent (37.6%) among intensive care nurses. Specialized training and limiting work hours can help in mitigating this problem. High frequency of physical symptoms could be early indicators of burnout.

Prevalence Of Mental Illness In School Going Adolescents

Background and Objective:India has an adolescent population of 356 million, accounting for 21% of the total population of the country (1), which will form the future workforce aiding to the economic growth of the country. The fast-paced changes and evolution in the society make it imperative yet difficult for these developing young minds to adapt. Mental disorders have their onset before the age of 25 years hence, addressing the mental health needs of this population along with physical health should be primary. Neuropsychiatric disorders also add to the economic burden of the country. Focus should now be shifted more towards preventing these illnesses than intervention.This study was done to recognize the prevalence of mental and psychological problems faced by the school going adolescents aged 14-18 years using a preformed questionnaire.Method:This is a cross sectional observational study conducted over 523 subjects. The subjects were asked to fill out a preformed questionnaire from June 2019 to December 2019. Data was filled and analyzed using excel sheets and the outcome was studied.Result:Mental health problems are highly prevalent in the study population. Psychosomatic symptoms were seen in 183 students (34.9%) of the total population. Symptoms suggesting depression were reported by 146 subjects (27.9%) of a total 523. 198 students (37.8%) showed symptoms of anxiety while 127 (24.3%) depicted eating disorders. A multidimensional approach in health systems should be modelled to target adolescent mental health. Aim should be to reduce risk factors and reinforce protective factors.

A Case Report of Treating Multiple Psychosomatic Symptoms Caused by COVID-19 with Yikong skill

Yikong skill; Psychosomatic symptoms; Long-range; Empty experience

Ethnic Disparities in Social Capital and Health among Jewish and Arab Participants in the Israeli Mamanet Cachibol League.

The Israeli Mamanet Cachibol League (MCL) serves as a community model that incorporates physical activity and amateur team sports among women. Team sports have been shown to bridge gaps and build positive relationships between communities. There is a paucity of data regarding the advantages of team sports to promote the health and well-being of women from different ethnic backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of participation in MCL with social capital, health, and well-being across two ethnic groups: Jewish and Arab women. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women aged 25–64: 102 Jewish and 96 Arab MCL participants, and 102 Jewish and 81 Arab non-MCL participants. Data regarding social capital (trust, social support and social involvement) and well-being (self-reported health and psychosomatic and depressive symptoms) were analyzed using two-way analyses of covariance and multiple regression models with sequential entry of the variables. MCL participants from both ethnic groups reported higher social capital (p < 0.001), better self-reported health (p < 0.001), and lower psychosomatic symptoms (p < 0.001) compared to non-participants. Jewish MCL participants reported lower depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) than non-participants, however no difference was found between Arab MCL participants and non-participants (p < 0.160). Amateur team sports such as MCL are related with higher levels of well-being and social capital. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies that examine the change in social capital and well-being over time.

Yoga and its impact on chronic inflammatory autoimmune arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases, which adversely affects the quality of life. RA is a disease of unknown etiology, however, both genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to the susceptibility to this disease. The severity and progression of the disease are attributable to the release of a host of inflammatory cytokines, cytotoxic and immune regulatory factors. The treatments of RA are primarily limited to symptomatic alleviation of pain or other symptoms or to the use of cytotoxic drug treatment in severe forms of the disease which is commonly associated with significant side effects. Despite lack of a cure, the disease may be controlled by mind-body interventions. Holistic treatments such as Yoga significantly improve and reduce the psycho-somatic symptoms, pain perception, disability quotient, joint flexibility, range of motion, posture, muscle strength, coordination, and disease activity. Here, we discuss the features of RA and address how Yoga can be used as a therapeutic regimen to improve the quality of life of patients with RA.

Students in times of pandemic: Employment, living conditions, and health. Case studies from Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus

The article draws attention to the importance of gainful employment of students. The pandemic has largely limited such opportunities. Study objective: Determination of the scope in which students recognise limitation, its consequences for their plans regarding continuation of university education, life priorities and health self-assessment. The online survey involved the participation of a total of 380 students from Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. Results: Demonstrated loss of employment, worsening of material situation, declared changes in plans of continuation of university education. Moreover, the respondents assessed their state of health as worse due to the occurrence or intensification of psychosomatic symptoms

Concept of Dhaat Syndrome in Unani System of Medicine: A Review

The term “Dhat” was derived from songskrito and the ancient Vedic depiction of body fluids called “dhatus” and among the seven different body fluids (dhatus) mentioned in Veda; semen is perceived to be most precious one. First of all Indian doctor Narendra Wig coined the term Dhat syndrome in 1960 and described it as being characterized by vague psychosomatic symptoms of fatigue, weakness, anxiety, loss of appetite, guilt, and sexual dysfunction, attributed by the patient to loss of semen in nocturnal emission, through urine or masturbation. Several local terms have come to imply the passing of semen in urine as “dhatu rog” and named also as “jiryan.” Ayurvedic scholars regard semen loss as a severe illness, leading to physical debilitation, ill health, thereby promoting herbal and dietary therapies. In Unani system of medicine there is no as such description of Dhaat Syndrome but the concept of Jiryan-e-Mani is well described by Unani scholars. The signs and symptoms of Jiryan-e-Mani is almost very similar to Dhaat syndrome. Many Unani Physicians like Ibn-e-Sina, Buqraat, Ibn-e-Nafees, Hakeem Aazam khan etc., describes jiryan-e-Mani in detail.

The occurrence of symptoms of bruxism in sports climbers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic include the emergence or intensification of negative emotional states, such as anxiety disorders or depression. The deterioration of the emotional state in human population can be explained by the severe increase in the level of psychological stress related to the pandemic. In turn, mental stress can lead to the appearance or exacerbation of psychosomatic symptoms. Mental stress is one of the risk factors for bruxism. Due to the current pandemic situation, there is an increase in the frequency of bruxism symptoms in the population. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of bruxism symptoms in sports climbers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. The study consisted of two stages - the first one was carried out in August 2019 and the second one was repeated in May 2020, three months after the national quarantine in Poland had been announced . 67 people in the control group and 67 in the studied group were qualified for the study. The occurrence of awake and sleep bruxism was determined using a questionnaire. Results. The collective analysis showed that the studied group had a lower percentage of respondents with awake bruxism compared to the control group - the results reached the required threshold of statistical significance. The prevalence of sleep bruxism between the groups was similar - the differences did not reach the assumed significance threshold. Conclusions. The level of bruxism symptoms among climbers was significantly lower during the COVID-19 pandemic than before it. The obtained results and possible adaptation mechanisms in climbers require further analysis.

Emotional distress, psychosomatic symptoms and their relationship with institutional responses: A survey of Italian frontline medical staff during the Covid-19 pandemic

With the advent of Covid-19, health workers have been under constant physical and psychological pressure. Italy was among the first countries to face the health emergency in a period of great uncertainty about the virus and the ways to treat patients. The present study aims to analyse the levels of emotional distress (ED) and psychosomatic symptoms (PS) of Italian frontline health workers during the Covid-19 emergency, and their relationship with the evaluation of the institutional responses received.A survey was available online during the peak of health system overload. Health workers' ED, PS and perceived overall wellbeing were assessed, along with the perceived adequacy of the emotional support, hygiene and safety measures, and protection received from the national government, regional administration and local hospital. A total of 103 questionnaires were collected [Women: 51.5%; mean age, 41.8 years; SD: ±10,7; high-risk zone: 41.7%]. Correlation analyses were applied to investigate the relationship between the measures of emotional distress and psychosomatic symptoms; ANOVA was applied to compare these measures among groups from different risk zones and with different perceived emotional and safety protection.About half of the health workers showed medium or high scores on emotional exhaustion, exceeded the cut-off for medium, high or very high psychosomatic symptom burdens, felt they have never or rarely been protected by the institutional responses and judged the emotional support received as inadequate; 32% judged the safety and hygiene measures as insufficient. Significant associations were found between measures of ED, PS and perceived change in personal wellbeing. Differences in perceived institutional support and adequacy of hygiene and safety measures related to significant differences in PS and perceived change in personal wellbeing.ED and PS were widely experienced by frontline health workers. Physical and psychological symptoms were amplified by the perceived lack of institutional support. Ensuring PS and hygiene and safety measures is essential to prevent worsening of health and psychosomatic symptoms in frontline health workers.