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Somatisation in Primary Care in Spain

II. Differences between Somatisers and Psychologisers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Javier García-Campayo ,
Ricardo Campos ,
Guillermo Marcos ,
Ma Jesus Peréz-Echeverría ,
Antonio Lobo  and
the GMPPZ
Javier García-Campayo
Affiliation:
Departamento de Psiquiatrìa, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza
Ricardo Campos
Affiliation:
Psiquiatrìa, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza
Guillermo Marcos
Affiliation:
Psiquiatrìa, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza
Ma Jesus Peréz-Echeverría
Affiliation:
Departamento de Medicina Social y Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza
Antonio Lobo*
Affiliation:
Psiquiatrìa, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza
*
Antonio Lobo, Servicio de Psiquiatrìa, Planta 11, Hospital Clinico Universitario, 50.009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Abstract

Background

This study is the first attempt to document the differences between somatisers (STs) and psychologisers (PGs) in Spanish primary care patients.

Method

A sample of 1559 consecutive patients attending eight randomly selected health centres in Zaragoza, were examined in a two-phase screening using Spanish versions of GHQ–28, CAGE questionnaire, substance abuse, MMSE and SPPI. STs and PGs were diagnosed according to operationalised Bridges & Goldbergs criteria.

Results

ST was found to be three times more prevalent than PG, but the ratio ST: PG was highest (10.5) in the DSM–IV category dysthymia. Generalised anxiety disorder was the most frequent diagnosis in STs and major depressive episode the most frequent in PGs. No significant differences between the two groups have been found in demographic characteristics. Total GHQ scores were significantly higher in PGs, but global SPPI scores were not. Most psychopathological scores were higher in PGs, but both somatic symptoms and suspiciousness were higher in STs. The psychopathological findings are consistent with hypotheses related to blame avoidance and defensiveness in STs.

Conclusions

ST is three times more prevalent than PG, but the ratio ST: PG depends heavily on diagnostic categories. While most psychopathological scores are higher in PGs, both patient groups are similarly disturbed. Previously assumed socio-demographic differences between STs and PGs have not been found in this study.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 3 , March 1996 , pp. 348 - 353
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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