engleski

Severity of somatic symptoms in adolescence: How distressing they are?

Somatic symptoms could be very distressing and result in significant disruption of everyday functioning. PSS is self-report questionnaire used to assess perceived burden of somatic symptoms commonly seen in primary care and relevant for a large number of diseases and mental disorders. The aim of the study was to determine the age- and gender-specific perceived burden of somatic symptoms, at symptom level and cluster level. Sample consisted of 1512 participants (52.7% females) aged 10 to 25 years old. Respondents rated how much each of the 35 somatic symptoms bothered them within the last three months. Data were analysed on each symptom level and 5 clusters levels: Pain-Musculoskeletal, Pseudoneurological, Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular-Respiratory and Dermatological. The most distressfully reported symptoms were lack of energy, fatigue, upper respiratory symptoms and headaches, and the most distressfully syndrome was Pain. Gender differences were found on symptom and cluster level, with females feeling more distressed with their somatic symptoms. Four age-specific differences were established, as well, with distressing peak between age 15 and 17. The article emphasizes the necessity of taking a multilevel view of somatic symptoms.

somatic symptoms distress, symptom and cluster level, age and gender differences

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