None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Multiple somatic symptoms (MSS) can be defined as a range of non-specific symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and abdominal pain, and are expressed in the absence of any clear pathology. MSS is measured on scale. Those who score highly on that scale are associated with a reduced quality of life and substantial increase in healthcare utilisation. By way of example, disorders such as Somatization Disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, functional Gastrointestinal disorders and multiple chemical sensitivity have all been associated with MSS. This study focuses on MSS, rather than specific diseases or only a few symptoms. It is important to do so, as MSS is considered to be a predictor of negative health consequences, independent of other chronic diseases or psychopathology. For the present study, MSS are identified using the Patient Health Questionnaire-15. At present a large proportion of Australians seek help for MSS, which places a burden on generalist and specialist services. In addition, the natural course of MSS is unfortunately unfavourable (meaning that symptoms suffered by people with MSS are less likely to resolve with time). By way of comparison, MSS stability rates are as high as depressive disorders and higher than anxiety disorders. However, to date, limited research of MSS has been conducted in an Australian community setting. Identifying, the prevalence of MSS in the community and related psychological predictors of its development and maintenance remains an important health priority. The present study seeks to address the following aims: 1. To determine the incidence and prevalence of MSS in an Australian community setting and its relationship with co-morbid chronic diseases, specific illness related cognitions and psychological distress. 2. To determine the stability of MSS over the course of 1 year. 3. To suggest potential psychosocial aetiologies for MSS by studying mind-body and body-mind interactions in these conditions.
Interventions
This is a longitudinal study based on questionnaire data. Multiple somatic symptoms are determined via the Patient Health Questionnaire - 15 (PHQ-15). Those who score high on the PHQ-15 experience a collection of symptoms such as back pain, stomach ache, dizziness and headache. Over a 1 year period, these symptoms will be correlated with co-morbid diseases and psychological health, in order to a) determine the stability of these symptoms and b) its temporal relationship with co-morbid diseases a
This is a longitudinal study based on questionnaire data. Multiple somatic symptoms are determined via the Patient Health Questionnaire - 15 (PHQ-15). Those who score high on the PHQ-15 experience a collection of symptoms such as back pain, stomach ache, dizziness and headache. Over a 1 year period, these symptoms will be correlated with co-morbid diseases and psychological health, in order to a) determine the stability of these symptoms and b) its temporal relationship with co-morbid diseases and psychological health.
Sponsors
Macquarie University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Random selection of community individuals from NSW electorates (Bradfield, Bennelong, North Sydney, Sydney, Grayndler, Reid, Parramatta and Mitchell)
Exclusion criteria
Non-response to survey
Outcome results
None listed