Somatoform syndromes and disorders in a representative population sample of adolescents and young adults : prevalence, comorbidity and impairments
Date Issued
2000-01-01
Author(s)
DOI
10.1046/j.0902-4441.2000.ap90071.x
Abstract
Objective: To present prevalence findings of DSM-IV somatoform symptoms, syndromes and disorders in a representative sample of adolescents and young adults.
Method: Data come from the Early Developmental Stages of Psychopathology (EDSP) study, in which a total of 3021 respondents aged 14-24 years were assessed by the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview.
Results: Although specific DSM-TV somatoform disorders were relatively rare with a lifetime rate of 2.7%, a considerably higher proportion of respondents met criteria for clinically significant somatoform syndromes as defined by the Somatic Symptom Index SSI4, 6 (lifetime: 1.7%), as well as the undifferentiated somatoform/dissociative syndrome USDS (lifetime: 9.1%), resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 12.6%. Somatoform conditions are often comorbid with other mental disorders and were found to be associated with remarkable impairments and disabilities.
Conclusion: Somatoform disorders and syndromes in young adults are frequent, impairing and often associated with the development of other mental disorders.
Method: Data come from the Early Developmental Stages of Psychopathology (EDSP) study, in which a total of 3021 respondents aged 14-24 years were assessed by the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview.
Results: Although specific DSM-TV somatoform disorders were relatively rare with a lifetime rate of 2.7%, a considerably higher proportion of respondents met criteria for clinically significant somatoform syndromes as defined by the Somatic Symptom Index SSI4, 6 (lifetime: 1.7%), as well as the undifferentiated somatoform/dissociative syndrome USDS (lifetime: 9.1%), resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 12.6%. Somatoform conditions are often comorbid with other mental disorders and were found to be associated with remarkable impairments and disabilities.
Conclusion: Somatoform disorders and syndromes in young adults are frequent, impairing and often associated with the development of other mental disorders.
Subjects