A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF SOMATIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders and was the second highest cause of Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) in 2021 globally, reflecting a 36.5% increase in burden since 2010. MDD is a major contributor to the global disease burden, significantly affecting not only individuals but also families and communities by impairing social functioning and economic productivity. According to WHO data, approximately 70% of patients in primary care settings who meet the diagnostic criteria for depression primarily present with somatic symptoms. This high prevalence of somatization presents significant medical, social, and economic challenges.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study started on February 2021 and was carried out until May 2022 after obtaining scientific and ethical approval from S.V.Medical college , Tirupati. Patients enrolled in the study were all diagnosed with depression fulfilling the criteria for depressive disorder according to ICD-10, and were on treatment for the same at the Department of Psychiatry. Samples of 100 patients were assessed. Somatization was assessed using patient health questionnaire – 15(PHQ-15), and depression severity was assessed using Hamilton 17-item scale.(HAM-D).

Results: Majority (38.5%) were aged between 41-50 yr, Female gender, had primary education, married, Hindu religion, belongs to nuclear family, from Urban domicile and from lower socio-economic status. The prevalence of somatization was found to be 88.6% and majority of participants were found to have mild somatization. Among patients with mild somatization, 48.6% were found to be suffering from mild depression. Among those with moderate somatization, 20% were found to have moderate and severe degree of depression each. Finally, among those with severe somatization, 60% were found to have very severe depression and 40% were found with severe depression (40%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of somatization among depressed patients was found to be 88.6%.Majority of the patients were having mild somatization and only 4.8% were having severe somatization. Increasing age, lower education status and lower socioeconomic status were found to be associated with somatization. Though majority of study patients were having mild depressive episode, 48.6% were having somatization and severity of somatization increases proportionately with the severity of depression.