title: [Examination of the stability of medically unexplained symptoms and somatoform disorders over time within the context of different diagnostic concepts].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine and to compare the stability of medically unexplained symptoms and somatoform disorders within the context of different diagnostic concepts (SSI4/6, DSM-IV, DSM-V).
  
  
  METHODS
  In a 2-stage follow-up study, 620 consecutive patients were first of all screened using the PHQ-15 questionnaire. In the second stage, 308 selected persons were then interviewed in detail. 12 months later, 89,9% of participants could be interviewed again.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Medically unexplained symptoms and somatoform disorders showed weak stability coefficients. In regard to Complex Somatic Symptom Disorder (DSM-V), the prevalence rates were smaller than expected. Within a year, they declined drastically.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The instability of Complex Somatic Symptom Disorder should be taken into account when revising somatoform disorder for DSM-V. In order to improve stability, the time criterion should be extended by the duration of mental preoccupation with the ailments.
authors.affiliation: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Klinische Psychologie, Mainz. steinbrn@uni-mainz.de
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Steinbrecher
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hiller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult