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Doustmohammadi F, Tavoli A, Tanhaye Reshvanloo F, Abaszad A. The Relationship Between Childhood Traumatic Experiences and Bodily Distress Syndrome: The Mediating Role of Somatoform Dissociation. J Genet Psychol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38456805 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2024.2315932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome, and the mediating role of somatoform dissociation. A total of 241 individuals living in Iran aged 20-40 years (M = 26.41 years, SD = 6.30; 74.7% females) were selected by convenience sampling to participate online in the research in March 2023. They answered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), the Bodily Distress Syndrome Checklist (BDS-25), and the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20). The results of the structural equation modeling showed that the model had a good fit, and significant relationships were observed between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome, between childhood traumatic experiences and somatoform dissociation, and also between somatoform dissociation and bodily distress syndrome. The results indicated that somatoform dissociation partially mediates the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome. Furthermore, the prevalence of bodily distress syndrome was higher in the female than the male participants. The results thus highlight the role of childhood traumatic experiences and somatoform dissociation in creating bodily distress syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Doustmohammadi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Tavoli
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Asal Abaszad
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
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Cheung CTY, Cheng CMH, Lee VWP, Lam SKK, He KL, Ling HWH, Lee K, Ross CA, Fung HW. COULD FAMILY WELL-BEING MODERATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SOMATOFORM DISSOCIATION? A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION. J Trauma Dissociation 2024; 25:153-167. [PMID: 37424207 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2233095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been well documented. One possible consequence of ACEs is dissociation, which is a major feature of post-traumatic psychopathology and is also associated with considerable impairment and health care costs. Although ACEs are known to be associated with both psychoform and somatoform dissociation, much less is known about the mechanisms behind this relationship. Little is known about whether social and interpersonal factors such as family environments would moderate the relationship between ACEs and somatoform dissociation. This paper discusses the importance of having a positive and healthy family environment in trauma recovery. We then report the findings of a preliminary study in which we examined whether the association between ACEs and somatoform dissociation would be moderated by family well-being in a convenience sample of Hong Kong adults (N = 359). The number of ACEs was positively associated with somatoform dissociative symptoms, but this association was moderated by the level of family well-being. The number of ACEs was associated with somatoform dissociation only when the family well-being scores were low. These moderating effects were medium. The findings point to the potential importance of using family education and intervention programs to prevent and treat trauma-related dissociative symptoms, but further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry T Y Cheung
- School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | | | - Vincent Wan Ping Lee
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Stanley Kam Ki Lam
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kyle Langjie He
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Henry Wai-Hang Ling
- The Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Po Fok Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Kunhua Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Colin A Ross
- The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Hong Wang Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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Panisch LS, Rogers RG, Breen MT, Nutt S, Dahud S, Salazar CA. Dissociation Among Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: Relation to Surgical Treatment, Pelvic Pain Severity, and Health-Related Quality of Life. J Trauma Dissociation 2023; 24:296-311. [PMID: 36744637 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2168828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is associated with a history of trauma and symptoms of somatoform dissociation. We aimed to describe how somatoform dissociation impacts CPP symptoms, surgical treatment, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients (N = 133) diagnosed with CPP presenting for an appointment at a women's health clinic between November, 2019 - July, 2021 were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study and complete a survey assessing symptoms of somatoform dissociation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pelvic pain severity, history of CPP-related surgeries, and mental and physical HRQOL. We also conducted a post-hoc analysis assessing correlations of individual symptom items on the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20) with HRQOL outcomes. We did not find a relationship between somatoform dissociation and pelvic pain severity or surgical history. Physical HRQOL outcomes were related to somatoform dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and pelvic pain severity, while mental HRQOL outcomes were connected to somatoform dissociation and PTSD symptoms. Our study reveals preliminary evidence suggesting that among CPP patients, HRQOL outcomes are affected by unique profiles of positive and negative symptoms of somatoform dissociation, including sensory disturbances, localized genital pain, and generalized numbness and bodily analgesia. Addressing specific symptoms of somatoform dissociation may enhance HRQOL among trauma-exposed women with CPP. Replication studies are needed to validate our findings. Integrating trauma-informed approaches, including standardized evaluations of trauma exposure and symptoms of somatoform dissociation into routine care for women with CPP is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Panisch
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebecca G Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Michael T Breen
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Health Transformation Building, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Stephanie Nutt
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, Health Transformation Building, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Soraya Dahud
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, Health Transformation Building, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Christina A Salazar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
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Abstract
Dissociation in anorexia nervosa (AN) is common (literature reported 29% of dissociative disorders in eating disorders) and higher in patients with binge-purging AN (BP-AN) than in those with restricter AN (R-AN). However, the distinction between somatoform (SomD) and psychoform dissociation (PsyD) is understudied. We aimed to assess the differences in PsyD and SomD, eating-related, general, and body-related psychopathology, and childhood trauma between subtypes of AN. Then, we attempted to describe a subgroup of patients with AN with marked SomD comparing them to patients without SomD, also controlling the results for PsyD and AN subtypes. Inpatients with AN (n = 111; 109 women and 2 men) completed self-reported questionnaires evaluating dissociation, eating-related, body-related, and general psychopathology, and childhood abuses. Patients with BP-AN reported higher SomD and PsyD and a more severe clinical picture than those with R-AN. The SomD-group (n = 41) showed higher eating concerns, trait-anxiety, body-related variables, and sexual/physical abuse compared to the no-SomD group (n = 70), independently of AN subtype and PsyD symptoms. Results described particular features of patients with AN and SomD. Data, clinically, suggest a careful assessment, for both SomD and PsyD, especially when a history of bodily-impacting trauma is present, potentially fostering dissociation-informed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Longo
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Marzola
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Martini
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Amodeo
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Kandeğer A, Egilmez Ü. Dissociative Absorption May Contribute to Internet Gaming Disorder Independent of Childhood Trauma and ADHD Symptoms Among Male University Students. Eurasian J Med 2022; 54:259-263. [PMID: 35950830 PMCID: PMC9797747 DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2021.21179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma, dissociative experiences, and internet gaming disorder in male university students with probable attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder determined by both childhood and current attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Volunteers were 376 university students who completed a test battery that included a sociodemographic form as well as the Adult ADHD Severity Rating Scale, Wender Utah Rating Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. Volunteers were divided into 2 groups as with and without probable attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder D based on both childhood and current attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. RESULTS Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (t=-3.94; P < .01), Dissociative Experiences Scale (t=-5.97; P < .01), Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (t=-3.80; P < .01), and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (t=-5.21; P < .01) scores were significantly higher in the group with probable attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder than in those without. Two different hierarchical regression analysis models in which internet gaming disorder scores were dependent variables showed that dissociative experiences in first model (β=0.15, t=2.28, P = .023) and dissociative absorption in second model (β=0.22, t=2.76, P = .006) were associated with internet gaming disorder after controlling for childhood trauma and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. CONCLUSION Dissociative absorption may contribute to internet gaming disorder independent of childhood trauma and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, however further studies are needed to investigate this claim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kandeğer
- Department of Psychiatry, Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey,Corresponding author: Ali Kandeğer E-mail:
| | - Ümran Egilmez
- Department of Psychiatry, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Training and Research Hospital, Niğde, Turkey
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Longo P, Panero M, Amodeo L, Demarchi M, Abbate-Daga G, Marzola E. Psychoform and somatoform dissociation in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2020; 28:295-312. [PMID: 32918777 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dissociation is a debilitating condition often present as comorbidity in patients with eating disorders, but to date only sparse findings are available on this topic. Additionally, very little data exist on the classification of dissociation, namely, psychoform and somatoform, in anorexia nervosa (AN). This review aimed to provide an updated view on the literature about dissociation in AN, with a focus on AN subtypes (i.e., restricter and binge-purging) as well as dissociation type (i.e., psychoform and somatoform), when available. We screened 304 studies, and after title and abstract selection and full-text reading, 29 of them were included in this review. Most of the studies investigated psychoform dissociation, whereas just four publications considered somatoform dissociation. Dissociation resulted to be present in AN more than in healthy controls and in individuals with other psychiatric disorders, and it was related mostly to the binge-purging subtype of AN. Moreover, dissociation was linked to traumatic events, self-harm and negative treatment outcomes, especially in patients affected by the binge-purging subtype of AN. However, results on these matters are scarce and partially discordant. The methodological assessment we performed revealed an overall fair quality of the included studies, although several flaws emerged as well. The present review reported on one hand the relevance of dissociation in AN, but on the other hand the need to stimulate the scientific debate on (a) a deeper investigation of somatoform dissociation in AN and (b) the relationship between dissociation and both clinical severity and treatment response/resistance in AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Longo
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Panero
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Amodeo
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matilde Demarchi
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Marzola
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Henschel S, Doba K, Nandrino JL. Emotion Regulation Processes and Psychoform and Somatoform Dissociation in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cumulative Maltreatment. J Trauma Dissociation 2019; 20:197-211. [PMID: 30074853 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2018.1502714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between childhood trauma and dissociative experiences is widely acknowledged. However, the association between emotion regulation difficulties (ERD), anxiety/depression and dissociation in adolescents and young adults with cumulative maltreatment (CM) remains unclear. The present study examined the role of ERD at both intrapersonal and interpersonal levels and anxiety/depression symptoms in the development of psychoform or somatoform dissociation in adolescents and young adults with CM. We assessed 58 participants with CM and 55 participants without childhood trauma history between the age of 12 and 22 years old. Participants completed self-reports of ERD, anxiety/depression, psychoform dissociation and somatoform dissociation. The results revealed that adolescents and young adults exposed to CM displayed high levels of psychoform and somatoform dissociation, ERD and anxiety/depression symptoms. It was also found that intrapersonal and interpersonal ERD predicted psychoform dissociation, whereas anxiety/depression predicted somatoform dissociation in adolescents and young adults with CM. Intrapersonal and interpersonal ERD and anxiety/depression are therapy targets for clinical interventions in adolescents and young adults with CM and dissociative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Henschel
- a Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives , Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 -SCALAb , Lille , France
| | - Karyn Doba
- a Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives , Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 -SCALAb , Lille , France.,b Fondation Santé des Etudiants de France , Clinique médico-psychologique , Villeneuve d'Ascq , France
| | - Jean-Louis Nandrino
- a Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives , Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 -SCALAb , Lille , France.,b Fondation Santé des Etudiants de France , Clinique médico-psychologique , Villeneuve d'Ascq , France
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Schröder J, Nick S, Richter-Appelt H, Briken P. Psychiatric Impact of Organized and Ritual Child Sexual Abuse: Cross-Sectional Findings from Individuals Who Report Being Victimized. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E2417. [PMID: 30384461 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Organized and ritual child sexual abuse (ORA) is often rooted in the child’s own family. Empirical evidence on possible associations between ORA and trauma-related symptoms in those who report this kind of extreme and prolonged violence is rare. The aim of our study was to explore socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the individuals reporting ORA experiences, and to investigate protective as well as promotive factors in the link between ORA and trauma-related symptom severity. Within the framework of a project of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany, we recruited 165 adults who identified themselves as ORA victims via abuse- and trauma-specific networks and mailing lists, and they completed an anonymous online survey. We used variance analyses to examine correlations between several variables in the ORA context and PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) as well as somatoform dissociation (SDQ-5). Results revealed a high psychic strain combined with an adverse health care situation in individuals who report experiences with ORA. Ideological strategies used by perpetrators as well as Dissociative Identity Disorders experienced by those affected are associated with more severe symptoms (η2p = 0.11; η2p = 0.15), while an exit out of the ORA structures is associated with milder symptoms (η2p = 0.11). Efforts are needed to improve health care services for individuals who experience severe and complex psychiatric disorders due to ORA in their childhood.
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Kienle J, Rockstroh B, Fiess J, Schmidt R, Popov T, Steffen-Klatt A. Variation of Functional Neurological Symptoms and Emotion Regulation with Time. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:35. [PMID: 29487543 PMCID: PMC5816796 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study addressed the variation of emotion regulation in the context of functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD) by examining changes of functional neurological symptoms (FNS), general psychological strain, alexithymia, emotion regulation strategies, and cortical correlates of emotion regulation in the context of a standard inpatient treatment program. METHODS AND MATERIALS Self-report data on FNS, general psychological strain, alexithymia, emotion regulation strategies, and cortical correlates of an experimentally induced emotion regulation task (participants either passively watched unpleasant and neutral pictures or regulated their emotional response to unpleasant pictures using pre-trained reappraisal, while an electroencephalogram was recorded) were compared between 19 patients with FNSD and 19 healthy comparison participants (HC) before and after a 4-week standard treatment protocol that included a combination of (individual and group) psychotherapies and functional treatments (such as physiotherapy) or a 4-week interval in HC, respectively. RESULTS General psychological strain did not decrease significantly in FNSD patients. Changes in emotion regulation in FNSD patients were constrained to an increase in self-reported use of cognitive reappraisal strategies. Subjective symptom intensity in FNSD patients varied with alexithymia pretreatment, but did not decrease significantly. Cortical activity in the time and frequency-domain distinguished passive watching of neutral and unpleasant pictures and regulating emotional responses upon unpleasant pictures from passively watching them without difference between groups and/or time. DISCUSSION Over the investigated time interval, augmented habitual cognitive emotion regulation suggests an alleviation of emotion processing deficits, but no significant symptom decrease. More controlled and prolonged treatment studies would be needed to determine whether and how a specific contribution of treatment-related changes of emotion regulation and FNS might be inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kienle
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Johanna Fiess
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Tzvetan Popov
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Steffen A, Fiess J, Schmidt R, Rockstroh B. "That pulled the rug out from under my feet!" - adverse experiences and altered emotion processing in patients with functional neurological symptoms compared to healthy comparison subjects. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:133. [PMID: 26103961 PMCID: PMC4477601 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0514-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically unexplained movement or sensibility disorders, recently defined in DSM-5 as functional neurological symptoms (FNS), are still insufficiently understood. Stress and trauma have been addressed as relevant factors in FNS genesis. Altered emotion processing has been discussed. The present study screened different types and times of adverse experiences in childhood and adulthood in patients with FNS as well as in healthy individuals. The relationship between stress profile, aspects of emotion processing and symptom severity was examined, with the hypothesis that particularly emotional childhood adversities would have an impact on dysfunctional emotion processing as a mediator of FNS. METHODS Adverse childhood experiences (ACE), recent negative life events (LE), alexithymia, and emotion regulation style were assessed in 45 inpatients diagnosed with dissociative disorder expressing FNS, and in 45 healthy comparison subjects (HC). RESULTS Patients reported more severe FNS, more (particularly emotional) ACE, and more LE than HC. FNS severity varied with emotional ACE and negative LE, and LE partially mediated the relation between ACE and FNS. Alexithymia and suppressive emotion regulation style were stronger in patients than HC, and alexithymia varied with FNS severity. Structural equation modeling verified partial mediation of the relationship between emotional ACE and FNS by alexithymia. CONCLUSIONS Early, emotional and accumulating stress show a substantial impact on FNS-associated emotion processing, influencing FNS. Understanding this complex interplay of stress, emotion processing and the severity of FNS is relevant not only for theoretical models, but, as a consequence also inform diagnostic and therapeutic adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Steffen
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, P.O.Box 905, Konstanz, 78457, Germany.
| | - Johanna Fiess
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, P.O.Box 905, Konstanz, 78457, Germany.
| | - Roger Schmidt
- Neurological Rehabilitation Center Kliniken Schmieder, Eichhornstraße 68, Konstanz, 78464, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Rockstroh
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, P.O.Box 905, Konstanz, 78457, Germany.
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Bob P, Selesova P, Raboch J, Kukla L. 'Pseudoneurological' symptoms, dissociation and stress-related psychopathology in healthy young adults. BMC Psychiatry 2013; 13:149. [PMID: 23705894 PMCID: PMC3667100 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-13-149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatoform dissociation is a specific form of dissociation with somatic manifestations represented in the form of 'pseudoneurological' symptoms due to disturbances or alterations of normal integrated functions of consciousness, memory or identity mainly related to trauma and other psychological stressors. With respect to the distinction between psychological and somatoform manifestations of dissociation current data suggest a hypothesis to which extent mild manifestations of 'pseudoneurological' symptoms in healthy young population may be linked to stress-related psychopathological symptoms or whether these symptoms more likely could be attributed to unexplained somatic factors. METHODS With this aim we have assessed the relationship between somatoform dissociation and stress-related psychopathology (i.e. anxiety, depression, symptoms of traumatic stress, alexithymia) in a group of 250 healthy non-psychiatric and non-clinical young adults. RESULTS Results of this study show that the symptoms of somatoform dissociation are significantly linked to stress-related psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS Findings of this study show that the 'pseudoneurological' symptoms may be linked to stress-related psychopathological processes which indicate that also mild levels of stress may influence somatic feelings and may lead to various somatoform dissociative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Bob
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress & Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ke Karlovu 11, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petra Selesova
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress & Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ke Karlovu 11, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Raboch
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress & Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ke Karlovu 11, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lubomir Kukla
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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