Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire Research Articles

The Relationship Between Childhood Traumatic Experiences and Bodily Distress Syndrome: The Mediating Role of Somatoform Dissociation

This research aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome, and the mediating role of somatoform dissociation. A total of 241 individuals living in Iran aged 20–40 years (M = 26.41 years, SD = 6.30; 74.7% females) were selected by convenience sampling to participate online in the research in March 2023. They answered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), the Bodily Distress Syndrome Checklist (BDS-25), and the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20). The results of the structural equation modeling showed that the model had a good fit, and significant relationships were observed between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome, between childhood traumatic experiences and somatoform dissociation, and also between somatoform dissociation and bodily distress syndrome. The results indicated that somatoform dissociation partially mediates the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome. Furthermore, the prevalence of bodily distress syndrome was higher in the female than the male participants. The results thus highlight the role of childhood traumatic experiences and somatoform dissociation in creating bodily distress syndrome.

Effets médiateurs de la symptomatologie de stress post-traumatique et des symptômes de dissociation somatoforme sur la relation entre l’attachement et la qualité de vie liée à la santé après un infarctus du myocarde

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a particularly frequent coronary disease: the number of new cases of MI recorded each year amounts to nearly 90,000 in France and nearly 790,000 in the United States. Over the past 15 years, the number of people who can survive this major cardiac event has substantially increased, as a result of advances in medical treatment and a reduction in delay to intervention. However, patients often report a decrease in their health-related quality of life following myocardial infarction. In other words, some patients perceive that the disease negatively affects various aspects of their daily lives, including physical functioning, emotional state, social relationships, and overall well-being. Furthermore, studies have shown that health-related quality of life is a prognostic indicator of the evolution of patients’ health status: the more health-related quality of life is reduced, the greater the risk of all-cause mortality, recurrence of cardiovascular events, and re-hospitalization for heart disease. In view of these elements, the identification of potentially modifiable factors, and in particular psychological factors, having an impact on health-related quality of life is particularly relevant. More specifically, insecure attachment, post-traumatic stress symptomatology and somatoform dissociation symptoms could have an impact on the health related-quality of life of people who have experienced a major cardiac event. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the mediating role of posttraumatic stress symptoms and somatoform dissociative symptomatology in the relationship between insecure attachment and health related-quality of life after a myocardial infarction. Materials and methodsA total of 73 participants, having suffered a myocardial infarction and participating in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program, completed questionnaires to assess the degree of insecurity of their attachment (Experiences in Close Relationship Scale-12; ECR-12), the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Scale; PCL-5) and somatoform dissociation symptoms (Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire; SDQ-20), and their health related-quality of life (MacNew Heart Disease-Health Related Quality of Life; MacNew). Mediation analyses were conducted according to the recommendations formulated by Baron and Kenny. ResultsOur results showed that only anxious attachment was positively and significantly associated with the severity of posttraumatic stress symptomatology, whereas such a link was not observed for avoidant attachment. The importance of posttraumatic symptomatology fully explained why individuals with high levels of fear of abandonment also have the poorest emotional, physical, and social quality of life after myocardial infarction. The importance of dissociative somatoform symptomatology partially explained why individuals with an insecure attachment style characterized by a high level of abandonmen were also those with the poorest health-related quality of life following myocardial infarction. ConclusionsThe results of this study tend to demonstrate the importance of taking into account the specificities of attachment, posttraumatic stress symptoms and somatoform dissociation phenomena in the context of interventions aimed at improving the health related-quality of life of people after a myocardial infarction. Insofar as secure attachment appears to be a protective factor against the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder, a psychotherapeutic approach aimed at promoting this form of attachment seems to be well justified. Specifically, it may be helpful to provide patients with a psychotherapeutic framework that takes into account their attachment experiences to allow them to change their beliefs about themselves and others, while helping them develop coping strategies appropriate to the stress. Psychotherapeutic interventions aimed jointly at increasing of the degree of attachment security and reducing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress and somatoform dissociation could be relevant to improve the health-related quality of life after a myocardial infarction.

Вклад диссоциации и межличностной чувствительности в самоповреждающее поведение молодых женщин

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article presents the results of an empirical study of the relationship between dissociative symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity and self-injurious behavior. The study was conducted on a Russian-speaking female sample (N=968, Mean age — 21.29, SD=4.30) in online communities of psychological support for mental health disturbances. The following measures were used: Reasons for Self-Injury (Polskaya, 2017); Peritraumatic Dissociation Questionnaire (Agarkov, Tarabrina, 1998); Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (Nijenhuis, 1998); Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (Razvaliaeva, Polskaya, 2021). The frequency of self-injuries decreases with age. Recent self-injuries are more strongly associated with dissociative symptomatology. Interpersonal functions of self-injurious behavior are typical for 18-19-year-olds, and intrapersonal functions – for 20-21-year-olds. Somatoform (b=0.50, p<0.001, R<sup>2</sup>=0.25) and peritraumatic dissociation (b=0.41, p<0.001, R<sup>2</sup>=0.17) significantly predict self-injurious behavior. Fear of Rejection, one of the scales of Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure, mediates the relationship between somatoform (indirect effect — 0.06 [0.03; 0.10], p<0.05) and peritraumatic dissociation (indirect effect — 0.07 [0.04; 0.11], p<0.05) and self-injurious behavior.</p>

Spanish validation of the Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) in a community and clinical sample. A new instrument for measuring dissociation

IntroductionDissociative symptoms are a type of phenomenon which is present in a wide variety of psychopathological disorders. It is therefore necessary to develop scales that measure this type of experience for therapy and research. Starting out from the bipartite model of dissociation, this study intended to adapt and validate the Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) in Spanish. Material and methodsFor this, 308 participants (268 from the community population and 40 with psychiatric pathology) completed the DCI, the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II), the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ20) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). ResultsThe results showed that the Spanish version has a two-factor structure similar to the original version and was invariant across participants. The reliability of DCI scores was adequate and acquired evidence of validity related to other instruments. ConclusionsIt is concluded that the DCI is a valid scale for detecting detachment and compartmentalization dissociative experiences, both in the clinic and research.

Dissociation Among Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: Relation to Surgical Treatment, Pelvic Pain Severity, and Health-Related Quality of Life

ABSTRACT Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is associated with a history of trauma and symptoms of somatoform dissociation. We aimed to describe how somatoform dissociation impacts CPP symptoms, surgical treatment, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients (N = 133) diagnosed with CPP presenting for an appointment at a women’s health clinic between November, 2019 – July, 2021 were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study and complete a survey assessing symptoms of somatoform dissociation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pelvic pain severity, history of CPP-related surgeries, and mental and physical HRQOL. We also conducted a post-hoc analysis assessing correlations of individual symptom items on the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20) with HRQOL outcomes. We did not find a relationship between somatoform dissociation and pelvic pain severity or surgical history. Physical HRQOL outcomes were related to somatoform dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and pelvic pain severity, while mental HRQOL outcomes were connected to somatoform dissociation and PTSD symptoms. Our study reveals preliminary evidence suggesting that among CPP patients, HRQOL outcomes are affected by unique profiles of positive and negative symptoms of somatoform dissociation, including sensory disturbances, localized genital pain, and generalized numbness and bodily analgesia. Addressing specific symptoms of somatoform dissociation may enhance HRQOL among trauma-exposed women with CPP. Replication studies are needed to validate our findings. Integrating trauma-informed approaches, including standardized evaluations of trauma exposure and symptoms of somatoform dissociation into routine care for women with CPP is encouraged.

Psychological and somatic manifestations of dissociation: The role of childhood trauma, attachment, and alexithymia

ObjectivesDissociation refers to disrupted integration of conscious awareness, emotions, memories, body representation, and motor control (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Despite the burden of unexplained somatic symptoms on individuals, and on healthcare providers, research to date has focused on the use of the Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (DES-II) which measures the psychological components of dissociation, with measures of somatic manifestations of dissociation, such as the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20) often being overlooked. The aim of the current study was to examine how attachment, alexithymia and childhood trauma relate to symptoms of psychoform and somatoform dissociation based on self-report measures. Additionally, the study sought to examine the mediating role of self-reported attachment-style and alexithymia in the relationship between childhood trauma and dissociation. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 220 adults in the general population, aged 18 – 76, was carried out. Participants completed a number of self-report measures online. Hierarchical logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted. ResultsResults indicated that the difficulty identifying feelings component of alexithymia significantly predicted an increased likelihood of scoring above the clinical cut-off for somatoform dissociation. Difficulty identifying feelings also partially mediated the relationship between physical neglect and somatoform dissociation scores. Avoidant attachment style and difficulty identifying feelings significantly predicted an increased likelihood of scoring above the clinical cut-off for psychoform dissociation. Both avoidant attachment style and difficulty identifying feelings partially mediated the relationship between emotional abuse and psychoform dissociation scores. ConclusionThe findings of the current study suggest that it may be of relevance to consider the role of both traumatic experiences and dissociative processes in persistent somatic presentations. Findings also suggest that treatments which support emotional awareness and are informed by attachment theory may relevant for those that self-report debilitating somatic symptoms

Heterogeneity of associations between dissociation and attention deficit symptoms.

Childhood trauma and dissociative experiences are suggested to be predisposing transdiagnostic factors for attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as many psychiatric disorders. Trauma-related symptoms such as motor restlessness, emotional instability, and concentration problems can mimic, trigger, or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Moreover, given the relationship between ADHD and trauma-induced distress, it has been suggested that dissociative experiences and attention problems may reveal overlapping characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between dissociative experiences and attention deficits by carrying out mixture analysis. A thousand and thirty-seven participants volunteered to the online investigation. Participants completed a test battery that included a sociodemographic form as well as the Adult ADHD Severity Rating Scale (ASRS), Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ). Item responses on the DES and attention deficit symptoms as indexed by the ASRS were subjected to latent class analysis. The three-latent-class model outperformed alternative mixture models. Mixture analysis classified the sample into three homogenous subgroups as follows: (1) No/low dissociation or attention problems; (2) Moderate dissociation with attention problems; and (3) High dissociation with attention problems. High dissociators with attention problems were characterized by heightened scores on somatoform dissociation and emotional neglect. No/low dissociation or attention problems latent class reported significantly lower scores on hyperactivity/impulsivity, depression, attention deficit in childhood, and sexual abuse than both moderate and high dissociation latent classes. High dissociators and moderate dissociators significantly differed on conduct problems and physical abuse. We concluded that impulsive hyperactivity, depression, and childhood sexual abuse were common features in heightened dissociation latent classes, as well as attention deficit.

Dissociative Absorption May Contribute to Internet Gaming Disorder Independent of Childhood Trauma and ADHD Symptoms Among Male University Students.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma, dissociative experiences, and internet gaming disorder in male university students with probable attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder determined by both childhood and current attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Volunteers were 376 university students who completed a test battery that included a sociodemographic form as well as the Adult ADHD Severity Rating Scale, Wender Utah Rating Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. Volunteers were divided into 2 groups as with and without probable attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder D based on both childhood and current attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (t=-3.94; P < .01), Dissociative Experiences Scale (t=-5.97; P < .01), Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (t=-3.80; P < .01), and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (t=-5.21; P < .01) scores were significantly higher in the group with probable attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder than in those without. Two different hierarchical regression analysis models in which internet gaming disorder scores were dependent variables showed that dissociative experiences in first model (β=0.15, t=2.28, P = .023) and dissociative absorption in second model (β=0.22, t=2.76, P = .006) were associated with internet gaming disorder after controlling for childhood trauma and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Dissociative absorption may contribute to internet gaming disorder independent of childhood trauma and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, however further studies are needed to investigate this claim.

Motor and somatosensory symptoms determine cognitive error levels in functional neurological symptom disorder/conversion disorder.

The level of cognitive error in functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD, conversion disorder) subtypes [psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES), motor (M), PNES plus motor (PM), motor plus somatosensory (MS)] have not yet been investigated. We aimed to qualify the level of cognitive error in FNSD subtypes. The disorder symptoms were assessed via the somatoform dissociation questionnaire (SDQ), the symptom check list-90-revised (SCL-90-R), and the global assessment scale (GAS). The cognitive distortions scale (CDS) was used to evaluate cognitive errors. Mean ages of groups were 28.37±6.99 years (PNES, n=24), 27.90±6.22 years (M, n=21), 30.36±7.86 years (PM, n=19), 31.38±9.02 years (MS, n=21), and 30.87±7.17 years (control, n=48) (p=0.377). In terms of the global severity index of SCL-90-R, there were significant differences between PNES and PM (p=0.003); PNES and MS (p0.999); PM and MS (p=0.172). There was no significant difference between the CDS-PA scores of the patient groups (p>0.05). Our study demonstrated that in FNSD, the somatosensory symptoms were more associated with cognitive errors related to interpersonal relationships than the motor symptoms and the motor symptoms were more than PNES.

Linking gene expression patterns and brain morphometry to trauma and symptom severity in patients with functional seizures

Within stress-diathesis models, adverse life experiences (ALEs) increase the susceptibility to functional neurological symptoms through neuroplasticity effects. We aimed to characterize potential genetic influences on this relationship in 20 patients with functional seizures. Questionnaires, structural MRIs and Allen Human Brain Atlas gene expression information were used to probe the intersection of symptom severity (Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, SDQ-20), ALE burden, and gray matter volumes. SDQ-20 scores positively correlated with sexual trauma, emotional neglect, and threat to life experiences. Higher SDQ-20 scores related to lower bilateral insula, left orbitofrontal, right amygdala, and perigenual/posterior cingulate volumes. Higher sexual trauma burden correlated with lower right posterior insula and putamen volumes; higher emotional neglect related to lower bilateral insula/right amygdala volumes. Findings in left insula/ventral precentral gyrus (SDQ-20), right insula/putamen (sexual trauma), and right amygdala (emotional neglect) held when controlling for comorbid psychopathology. At the intersection of symptom severity and sexual trauma volumetric findings, genes overrepresented in adrenergic, serotonergic, and oxytocin receptor signaling as well as in cortical and amygdala development were spatially correlated. In conclusion, ALEs and symptom severity were associated with gray matter volumes in cingulo-insular and amygdala areas, spatially overlapping with expression patterns of genes involved in stress-related signaling and neurodevelopment.

Premature ejaculation and stress

IntroductionRecent findings indicate that men with premature ejaculation report more frequent sexual problems associated with increased anxiety and interpersonal difficulties. Also the neuroendocrine changes were examined and compared to other indicators of stressful experiences.ObjectivesPremature Ejaculation (PE) is defined as an ejaculation occurring within one minute after the start of sexual intercourse and occurs in 20-30% of men. They report frequent problems with partnerships and increased anxiety, irritability and orgasmic dysfunction. Premature ejaculation is likely to be associated with decreased serotonergic neurotransmission and higher levels of leptin. Also the role of hyperactive thyroid and prostate disease was investigated. On the other hand there is no evidence as to how previous stressful experience and distrubed partnership might contribute PE.MethodsOur study comprised 60 male outpatients diagnosed as having secondary premature ejaculation. Clinical examinations were focused on biochemical analysis of cortisol and psychometric scoring using a diagnostic tool for premature ejaculation, traumatic stress and somatoform dissociation. The control group consisted of a 60 healthy men.ResultsThe results showed significant Spearman correlations of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score with Trauma symptoms checklist score (R=0.86), cortisol level (R=0.47) and Somatoform dissociation questionnaire score (R=0.61). In the control group, the results did not reach statistical significance. Spearman correlations of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score with Trauma symptoms checklist score was (R=0.21), cortisol (R=0.27) and with Somatoform dissociation questionnaire score (R=0.25).ConclusionsThese results represent the first reported findings documenting the relationship of traumatic stress indicators with the experience of secondary premature ejaculation and cortisol levels.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Dissociative Experiences Associated With Internet Gaming Disorder After Controlling For Childhood Trauma And ADHD Diagnosis

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among childhood trauma, dissociative experiences, and internet gaming disorder (IGD) in young adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and age- and gender-matched controls. Forty participants diagnosed with ADHD at a university hospital psychiatric outpatient clinic and 40 healthy controls completed a test battery that included a sociodemographic form as well as the Adult ADHD Severity Rating Scale (ASRS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ), and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short Form (IGDS9-SF). The CTQ (t = −4.61, p < .01), DES (t = −4.71, p < .01), SDQ (t = −2.40, p < .01), and IGDS9-SF (t = −4.89, p < .01) scores were significantly higher in the ADHD group than in the control group. A hierarchical regression analysis that explained 50% of unique variance in internet gaming disorder (IGD) indicated that being male (β = 0.41, t = 4.61, p < .001) and having an ADHD diagnosis (β = 0.48, t = 5.49, p < .001) are robust predictors. Additionally, the DES score, which indicates the severity of psychoform dissociation (β = 0.34, t = 2.43, p = .017), was found to be significantly associated with IGD after controlling for ADHD diagnosis and childhood trauma. While excessive gaming may increase dissociative symptoms, the mental state of dissociative experiences may be a predisposing factor for IGD; however, further studies are needed to investigate these claims.

Effect of psychosocial trauma and stress on sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis.

Background:Endometrial tissue plays an important role in the regulation of female fertility and there is evidence that endometrial pathology (including endometriosis) is closely related to endocrine disorders. On the other hand, various neuroendocrine changes can be significantly affected by psychosocial stress. In connection with these findings, we tested the relationship between neuroendocrine changes, sexual dysfunction, psychosocial/traumatic stress, and dissociative symptoms in women with endometriosis.Methods:A total of 65 patients with endometriosis were included in the study. Clinical examinations were focused on the biochemical analysis of neuroendocrine markers of endometriosis (cancer antigen 125 [CA 125] and cancer antigen 19-9 [CA 19-9]), estradiol, psychometric evaluation of sexual dysfunction, psychosocial/traumatic stress, and dissociative symptoms.Results:The results showed significant Spearman correlations between the values of the revised range of sexual difficulties for sexual dysfunction (Revised Female Sexual Distress Scale), psychosocial/traumatic stress (Trauma Symptoms Checklist) (R = 0.31), and dissociative symptoms (Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire) (R = 0.33). Positive correlations were also found between CA 125 and CA 19-9 (R = 0.63), and between CA 125 and the results of the values of the revised scale of sexual difficulties for sexual dysfunction (Revised Female Sexual Distress Scale) (R = 0.29). Also psychosocial/traumatic stress (Trauma Symptoms Checklist) significantly correlated with CA 125 (R = 0.38) and with CA 19-9 (R = 0.33).Conclusion:These results represent the first findings regarding the relationship of the neuroendocrine markers CA 125 and CA 19-9 and sexual dysfunction with trauma/stress-related symptoms and dissociative symptoms in women with endometriosis.

Structure of ICD-11 complex PTSD and relationship with psychoform and somatoform dissociation

ObjectiveThe structure of the relationship between ICD-11 Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) and dissociative symptoms requires more extensive research, especially with respect to the empirical support for a DSM-5 dissociative subtype of PTSD. The present study sought to examine 1) the structural validity of ICD-11 C-PTSD, 2) the association between latent C-PTSD factors and features of dissociation, and 3) whether patients with C-PTSD show elevated levels of dissociation when compared to PTSD and no ICD-11 PTSD disorder. MethodsA sample of traumatized psychiatric outpatients (N = 114) were diagnosed with a structured interview and subsequently administered the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the Dissociative Symptom Scale (DSS), and the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, 5-items (SDQ). We used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to replicate the established structure of C-PTSD as operationalized with the ITQ. Subsequently, a structural equation model (SEM) approach was employed to examine associations of ITQ with psychoform and somatoform dissociation as measured with the DSS and SDQ. ResultsThe expected factorial structure of C-PTSD was replicated in the present sample, and the domains PTSD and disturbances in self-organization were found to be related but distinct constructs. All ICD-11 C-PTSD latent factors were associated with dissociative experiences. The strongest effects were found for the symptom clusters Affective Dysregulation, Disturbances in Relationship, and Re-Experiencing. However, dissociative Gaps in Awareness and Memory and Sensory Misperception were not predicted by any ICD-11 C-PTSD latent factors. Cumulative levels of dissociative experiences appeared to differentiate ICD-11 PTSD and C-PTSD with significantly higher levels for C-PTSD. ConclusionICD-11 C-PTSD is strongly associated with dissociative phenomena in complex ways. Somatoform and psychoform manifestations of dissociation should be routinely assessed in patients with ICD-11 C-PTSD because such expressions may cover intense affects and painful relationship experiences. Future studies are needed to substantiate the causal and predictive relationship between ICD-11 C-PTSD and dissociation.

Orbito-frontal thinning together with a somatoform dissociation might be the fingerprint of PNES

ObjectiveTo investigate neuroanatomical changes in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) compared to major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls. MethodsForty-two drug-naïve PNES subjects and 25 patients with MDD, matched for demographic characteristics and level of depression (as measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II), were consecutively recruited. Patients performed an extensive neuropsychiatric assessment including: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Traumatic Experience Checklist, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20). All patients, together with 78 healthy matched controls, underwent 3T brain MRI followed by surface-based morphometry. ResultsCortical thickness analysis revealed significant cortical thinning in bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and left rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in patients with MDD compared to subjects with PNES and controls. Interestingly, increased thickness of the right pars triangularis was found in PNES subjects compared to controls. PNES showed higher scores in SDQ-20 (p < 0.001) compared to MDD, which was corroborated by neuroimaging data, where somatoform dissociation scores correlated with morphological changes in the left medial OFC. ConclusionOur results show selective cortical thinning over the medial OFC in patients with PNES compared to wider regions of thinning in patients with MDD. Somatoform dissociation was the only psychopathological assessment significantly different in PNES and MDD.

Premature ejaculation and stress.

Recent findings indicate that men with premature ejaculation report more frequent sexual problems associated with increased anxiety and interpersonal difficulties. Bearing this in mind, the neuroendocrine changes were examined in men with premature ejaculation and compared to other indicators of stressful experiences to see whether there can be any correlation which could indicate how these factors may contribute to the aetiology of premature ejaculation. Our study comprised 60 male outpatients diagnosed as having secondary premature ejaculation. Clinical examinations were focused on biochemical analysis of cortisol and psychometric scoring using a diagnostic tool for premature ejaculation, traumatic stress and somatoform dissociation. The control group consisted of a 60 healthy men. The results showed significant Spearman correlations of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score with Trauma Symptom Checklist score (R=.86), cortisol level (R=.47) and Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire score (R=.61). In the control group, the results did not reach statistical significance. Spearman correlations of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score with Trauma symptoms checklist score was (R=.21), cortisol (R=.27) and with Somatoform dissociation questionnaire score (R=.25). These results represent the first reported findings documenting the relationship of traumatic stress indicators with the experience of secondary premature ejaculation and cortisol levels.

Boredom, alexithymia, and desire thinking in eating disorders: a cross-sectional study

Background: Eating disorders (ED) can be considered in terms of affective disorders. In this perspective, abnormal eating behaviors would be dysfunctional defensive behaviors related to difficulties to recognize and modulate traumatic emotional experiences. The aim of this study is to explore the associations between alexithymia, boredom, impulsiveness, and desire thinking in subjects with eating disorders. Methods: 45 patients with ED and 45 healthy controls completed the following questionnaires: Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Multidimensional State Boredom Scale, Desire Thinking Questionnaire, Body Uneasiness Test and Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire. Results: Our results seem to confirm that alexithymia, boredom, impulsivity, and desire thinking are strictly related in ED. In particular, difficulties in identifying feelings contribute to determine boredom experiences which, in turn, contribute significantly to structure body image disorders. Conclusions: This study adds new insights into the associations between alexithymia, boredom, impulsiveness, and desire thinking in subjects with eating disorders. Future areas of investigation could better explore the role of boredom experiences in structuring body image dissatisfaction and its relationship with alexithymia.

Reliability and validity study of the French-language version of the SCID-D semi-structured clinical interview for diagnosing DSM-5 and ICD-11 dissociative disorders

This paper presents the validation and inter-rater reliability study of the French translation of the new edition of the SCID-D, a semi-structured clinical interview for evaluating dissociative symptoms and diagnosing dissociative disorders based upon DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria. The SCID-D evaluates five core dimensions of dissociation: amnesia, depersonalization, derealization, identity confusion and identity alteration. The SCID-D was administered to 20 subjects with a dissociative disorder, 19 subjects with a nondissociative psychiatric disorder, and 10 healthy control subjects. Results indicate that there was 96% agreement among raters on the SCID-D's ability to differentiate subjects with a dissociative disorder from subject with no dissociative disorder. The statistical analysis indicates that the overall diagnosis, the scores for each of the five dimensions, and the total SCID-D scores were homogenous amongst raters. The results indicate good to excellent inter-rater reliability. The SCID-D could efficiently discriminate dissociative subjects from nondissociative ones. Convergent validity was tested with the use of the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire SDQ-20 and the Dissociation Questionnaire DIS-Q. Correlation between the scores from these questionnaires and the SCID-D total score is high. The French translation of the SCID-D has good to excellent reliability, discriminant and convergent validity, and is similar to previous research of DSM-III and DSM-IV versions of the SCID-D in different languages. The SCID-D is a useful instrument for the assessment of dissociative symptom severity and the diagnosis of DSM-5 and ICD-11 dissociative disorders.

Psychosocial stress, somatoform dissociative symptoms and free testosterone in premature ejaculation.

One of the most common sexual dysfunctional diseases in adult males is premature ejaculation. So far, there is no evidence of how premature ejaculation is associated with psychosocial stress. We tested the relationship between neuroendocrine changes in patients with premature ejaculation and indicators of stress experience as a new psychosomatic hypothesis where psychosocial stress may significantly contribute to the aetiology of premature ejaculation. A total of 55 patients with premature ejaculation were included in the study. The control group consisted of 55 healthy men. The diagnosis of premature ejaculation was confirmed by a sexology examination, a history of patients and the values of the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaire. Comprehensive biochemical serum analysis was focused on the values of total testosterone, free testosterone, luteinising hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, sex hormone-binding globulin and a premature ejaculation diagnostic tool score with trauma symptom checklist and somatoform dissociation questionnaire. The results show significant Spearman correlations of trauma symptom checklist with the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool score (R=0.84) and free testosterone (R=0.62) and somatoform dissociation questionnaire with the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool score (R=0.53) and free testosterone (R=0.57). Spearman correlations of trauma symptom checklist with somatoform dissociation questionnaire show significant correlation (R=0.54).

The mediating effects of self-perception and somatoform dissociation in the relationship between domestic violence and suicidal ideation.

Domestic violence (DV) against women is a multidimensional public health problem that has both psychologically and socially devastating consequences, especially in patriarchal societies. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of self-perception and somatoform dissociation in the relationship between DV and suicidal ideation in women living in Turkey. The sociodemographic data form, Severity of Violence Against Women Scale, Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, Social Comparison Scale, and Suicidal Ideation Scale were administered to 102 participants. In addition to descriptive statistics, linear and mediation regression analyses were performed. DV scores were significantly negatively correlated with self-perception and positively correlated with somatoform dissociation scores. While negative self-perception and increased somatoform dissociation were partial mediators in the relationship of threat and sexual violence with suicidal ideation and full mediators in the relationship of physical violence with suicidal ideation. Negative self-perception and increased somatoform dissociation were critical mediators in relation to DV and suicidal ideation in women. Psychotherapeutic approaches focused on self-perception and somatoform symptoms may reduce the risk of suicide in women who have been exposed to DV. Long-term clinical studies are needed to investigate the factors mediating suicidal ideation in women who have been exposed to DV.