title: Somatization among older primary care attenders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The importance of somatization among older primary care attenders is unclear. We aimed to establish the prevalence, persistence and associations of somatization among older primary care attenders, and the associations of frequent attendance.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and forty primary care attenders over 65 years were rated twice, 10 months apart, on measures of somatization, psychiatric status, physical health and attendance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The syndrome of GMS hypochondriacal neurosis had a prevalence of 5% but was transient. Somatized symptoms and attributions were persistent and associated with depression, physical illness and perceived poor social support. Frequent attenders (top third) had higher rates of depression, physical illness and somatic symptoms, and lower perceived support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Somatization is common among older primary care attenders and has similar correlates to younger primary care somatizers. Psychological distress among older primary care attenders is associated with frequent attendance. Improved recognition should result in benefits to patients and services.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sheehan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bass
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Briggs
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jacoby
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological