Familial and socio-economic correlates of somatisation disorder

Abstract

BackgroundSomatisation disorder can result from an interplay between suboptimal family environment and socio-economic deprivation, which enhances the underlying cognitive tendency for this disorder. There are pertinent familial and socio-economic factors associated with this disorder, but research addressing this is sparse.Aim and settingThe study aims to evaluate family and socio-economic factors that are associated with somatisation disorder amongst patients presenting to the Family Medicine clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsThis is an observational case-control study of 120 participants who presented to the clinic between May and August 2009. Data collection was by interviewer-administered structured questionnaire using the World Health Organization Screener for Somatoform Disorder and Somatoform Disorder Schedule to ascertain somatisation in 60 patients who were then matched with 60 controls. The respondents’ demographic and family data were also collected and their interpersonal relationships were assessed with the Family Relationship Index.ResultsThe somatising patients were mostly females (70%), with a female to male ratio of 2.3:1 and mean age of 43.65 ± 13.04years.Living in a polygamous family (as any member of the family) was significantly related to somatisation (p = 0.04). Somatisation was also more common in people who were separated, divorced or widowed (p = 0.039). Somatisers from a lower social class or those earning below a dollar a day experienced poorer cohesion (p = 0.042) and more conflicts (p = 0.019) in their interpersonal relationship.ConclusionThis study was able to demonstrate that a polygamous family setting, disrupted marriage, low social status and financial constraints are correlates of somatisation. It is of essence to identify these factors in holistic management of somatising patients.

Gender differences in the prevalence and impact factors of hysterical tendencies in adolescents from three eastern Chinese provinces

“…Further, epidemiological studies of children and adolescents conducted in India found higher prevalence rates of hysteria [ 12 ] compared with western countries. In a literature study, we also found that youngers, the female gender, rural settings, low education levels, low socioeconomic statuses, marital status, having a family member with the disease, and childhood sexual abuse are associated with an increased risk of hysteria [ 13 – 15 ]. Kokota et al showed that hysteria may result in significant social, economic, and health burdens in children and adolescents [ 8 , 16 ].…”

Pathway Linking Different Types of Childhood Trauma to Somatic Symptoms in a Subclinical Sample of Female College Students

“…For example, Schlarb et al (2017) found somatic complaints in 23.5% of university students. Somatic symptoms directly affect quality of life (Ammati et al, 2019), life satisfaction (Parletta et al, 2016), marital discord, financial problems and social status (Obimakinde et al, 2015) and educational achievement (Hiller et al, 2006). As most of the patients (70%) are women (Obimakinde et al, 2015) and youth (Eliasen et al, 2016), female students are more likely to be affected.…”

“…Somatic symptoms directly affect quality of life (Ammati et al, 2019), life satisfaction (Parletta et al, 2016), marital discord, financial problems and social status (Obimakinde et al, 2015) and educational achievement (Hiller et al, 2006). As most of the patients (70%) are women (Obimakinde et al, 2015) and youth (Eliasen et al, 2016), female students are more likely to be affected. The literature indicates that stressful life events and especially childhood trauma, have particular importance in the development of somatic symptoms (Elklit and Christiansen, 2009; Nijenhuis et al, 2001; Sadeghi et al, 2017; Waller et al, 2001).…”

Exploring the Association Between Type of Pain and Mental Health With Four Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire

“…A number of them examined the physical manifestations of mental illnesses. In psychiatric disorders such as major depression and somatization, headache was a prominent complaint (7,10,11).…”

“…They frequently describe contextual symptoms-which, despite their strangeness, may resemble real diseases-using impressionistic language. The condition is best comprehended in relation to "illness" behavior, which conceals an underlying mental illness and only shows up as somatic symptoms (7).…”