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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Erschienen in:

01.06.2013

Prevalence, Overlap, and Predictors of Functional Somatic Syndromes in a Student Sample

verfasst von: Susanne Fischer, Jens Gaab, Ulrike Ehlert, Urs M. Nater

Erschienen in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Ausgabe 2/2013

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Abstract

Background

Although at least 20 different functional somatic syndromes (FSS) have been described, and overlaps between individual FSS and a high comorbidity with depressive and anxiety disorders have been suggested, barely any studies have examined a broad array of FSS within one study. Moreover, information on psychosocial risk factors gained from prospective studies is scarce.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine prevalence rates, overlap, and comorbidity in 17 FSS and to estimate the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the development of FSS.

Methods

In total, 3,054 students (73.4 % women) completed a Web survey containing questions on FSS, comorbidity, and psychosocial risk factors at baseline. Of these, 429 completed the survey again 6 months later.

Results

The prevalence of any FSS was 9.5 %, with 227 (78.6 %) subjects fulfilling criteria for only one FSS, 49 (17.0 %) reporting two, and 12 (4.2 %) reporting three syndromes simultaneously. Only one person suffered from four FSS at the same time. “Major depressive syndrome” (15.6 %), “panic syndrome” (4.8 %), and “other anxiety syndromes” (19.7 %) frequently occurred among persons with FSS. Significant predictors of FSS were number of somatic symptoms (OR = 1.15), impairment in daily activities (OR = 3.17), depression (OR = 1.13), and somatization (OR = 1.15).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that FSS are common in nonclinical samples. The frequency of overlap and comorbidity in FSS was lower compared with previous research. A consideration of psychosocial risk factors is warranted in the prevention and management of FSS.

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Titel: Prevalence, Overlap, and Predictors of Functional Somatic Syndromes in a Student Sample
verfasst von: Susanne Fischer
Jens Gaab
Ulrike Ehlert
Urs M. Nater
Publikationsdatum: 01.06.2013
Verlag: Springer US
Erschienen in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Ausgabe 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Elektronische ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-012-9266-x

Springer Medizin

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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