[Somatic-psychiatric comorbidity. Definition and basic concept].
Patients with a complex history of illness and multiple diseases are increasingly the rule rather than the exception. To describe these patients, the term comorbidity is frequently used. The present overview provides a definition and description of the construct comorbidity. Thereby, the overview focuses on specifics of somatic-psychiatric comorbidities. The description of comorbidity comprises definition of the term against the similar constructs multimorbidity, burden of illness, and patient complexity as well as a subcategorization of types of comorbidity. With regard to measuring comorbidity, possibilities of aggregating comorbidities into a single sum score are presented. Finally, specific aspects of somatic-psychiatric comorbidity are critically discussed.
Abteilung für Rehabilitationspsychologie und Psychotherapie, Institut für Psychologie, Universität Freiburg, Engelbergerstr. 41, 79085, Freiburg. baumeister@psychologie.uni-freiburg.de
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H
Baumeister
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Kury
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Bengel
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D009626:Terminology as Topic