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Determinants of somatization in primary care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

K. Bridges ,
D. Goldberg ,
B. Evans  and
T. Sharpe
K. Bridges*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Manchester
D. Goldberg
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Manchester
B. Evans
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Manchester
T. Sharpe
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Manchester
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr Keith Bridges, Department of Psychiatry, Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9BX.
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Synopsis

This study explores possible determinants of somatization in primary care. Hypotheses were tested on samples of ‘somatizers’, ‘psychologizers’ and controls recruited by epidemiological procedures. Although ‘somatizers’ were found to be similar to ‘psychologizers’ in many respects, they were (i) less depressed; (ii) reported lower levels of social dissatisfaction, social stress and less dependence on their relatives; (iii) more likely to have an unsympathetic attitude towards mental illness and less likely to consult a doctor about psychological symptoms, and (iv) more likely to have received medical in-patient care as an adult before they had consulted their doctor with their current illness. These findings are discussed in the context of previous research.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , May 1991 , pp. 473 - 483
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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