A study of disability and its correlates in somatization disorder.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to assess disability, and its demographic and clinical correlates in patients suffering from somatization disorder.

METHOD: Sixty-six patients, diagnosed as somatization disorder according to ICD 10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research (ICD 10-DCR), were assessed for disability using the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS). Patients were also assessed for associated anxiety, depression, neuroticism and subjective distress using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), PGI Health Questionnaire N2 (PGIN2), and Visual Analog Scale, respectively.

RESULTS

Mean age of the sample was 34.5±5.8 years. Females constituted about 60% of the sample. Mean duration of illness was 9.14±4.13 years. More than 70% of the subjects suffered moderate to severe disability. Age, number of symptoms, duration of illness, and scores on HAM-A and HAM-D showed a positive correlation with disability.

CONCLUSION

Somatization disorder is associated with significant disability which increases with the number of somatic symptoms, duration of illness, associated depressive and anxiety symptoms.