title: An investigation of temperamental traits in patients with somatoform disorder: do they belong in the affective spectrum?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  About 10% of the general population report multiple and persisting physical symptoms resulting in extensive screening but with no organic explanation found.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors sought to determine whether these somatoform-disorder patients show characteristics of the affective disorder spectrum, with the cyclothymic temperament likely showing the highest specificity for somatoform disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study examined temperamental traits and current mood states of 44 general-hospital inpatients diagnosed with somatoform disorder.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a higher prevalence of abnormal temperamental traits in patients with somatoform disorder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the idea of a continuum between temperament and affective disorders, the results should trigger further research on this issue possibly leading to novel treatment options in the future.
authors.affiliation: Bennito Menni, CASM, Research Unit, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain. benedikt.amann@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: Benedikt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Amann
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Padberg
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mergl
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Naber
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Baghai
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Reimers
authors.forename: Nadja
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: El-Giamal
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Erfurth
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Laakmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament; D055815:Young Adult