The Somatosensory Amplification Scale and its relationship to hypochondriasis

Re-refining the measurement of distress intolerance

“…The summary suggests that the distress intolerance construct is represented by five distress intolerance constructs: uncertainty, ambiguity, physical discomfort, frustration, and negative emotion. Bardeen et al confirmed this summary based on a factor analysis of scores from subscales derived from the Intolerance of Uncertainty Index-Part A (Carleton, Gosselin, & Asmundson, 2010), the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (Buhr & Dugas, 2002), the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance-I (McLain, 1993), the Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale-12 (Herman, Stevens, Bird, Mendenhall, & Oddou, 2010, a revised version of RE-REFINING DISTRESS INTOLERANCE 4 Budner's (1962) 16-item version), the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (Barsky, Wyshak, & Klerman, 1990), the DIS (Schmidt et al, 2006), the FDS (Harrington, 2005), and the DTS (Simons & Gaher, 2005).…”

Multisensory distortions of the hand have differential effects on tactile perception

“…The somatosensory amplification scale (SSAS; Barsky, Wyshak & Klerman, 1990) was used to control for tendencies of amplifying ambiguous sensory information in line with findings that have shown amplification to be related to heightened somatic perceptions as well as depression and anxiety (Barsky, Goodson, Lane, & Cleary, 1988). Ratings were made to statements such as 'sudden loud noises really bother me', 'I hate to be too hot or too cold' on a Likert scale ranging from 1…”

Validity of the French form of the somatosensory amplification scale in a non-clinical sample

“…It involves sustained self-examination and increased attention and vigilance to unpleasant somatic sensations, a predisposition to observe the weakest and rarest of somatic sensations, and a tendency to interpret them as dangerous signs of disease without any rational argument. 2 Somatosensory amplification theoretically has the properties of both a trait and a state. Indeed, although the propensity to amplify seems relatively stable over the long term (individual's characteristic baseline level), the sensitivity to bodily sensations can fluctuate within the same individual over time.…”

“…Indeed, although the propensity to amplify seems relatively stable over the long term (individual's characteristic baseline level), the sensitivity to bodily sensations can fluctuate within the same individual over time. 2 Somatosensory amplification is especially noticeable among hypochondriacs. 3,4 It has been proposed as an intermediary phenomenon that occurs after detecting benign bodily sensations and precedes hypochondriacal beliefs and thoughts.…”

“…22 By allowing the intensity of various common symptoms to be quantified, a self-report measure of somatosensory amplification can help eliminate the subjective judgment of physicians. To this end, Barsky et al 2 created the SomatoSensory Amplification Scale (SSAS). This tool can be completed quickly (less than 10 minutes) and easily.…”