An investigation of temperamental traits in patients with somatoform disorder: do they belong in the affective spectrum?
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.
Amann
Benedikt
B
Bennito Menni, CASM, Research Unit, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain. benedikt.amann@med.uni-muenchen.de
Padberg
Frank
F
Mergl
Roland
R
Naber
Dieter
D
Baghai
Thomas
T
Reimers
Karen
K
El-Giamal
Nadja
N
Erfurth
Andreas
A
Laakmann
Gregor
G
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