Psychosomatic medicine
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Psychosomatic medicine · Nov 2004
Comparative StudyDepressive symptoms and mortality risk in a national sample: confounding effects of health status.
We examined the association between depressive symptoms and all-cause mortality in a population sample. Published findings on the relation between depressive symptoms and mortality risk point to an inconsistent association and one that is likely influenced by health status. Few studies have assessed this relation in randomly selected population samples. ⋯ These findings from a randomly selected, nationally representative sample do not support the hypothesis that depressive symptoms are independently related to mortality in the general population, after adequate adjustment for the confounding effects of physical health status.
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Psychosomatic medicine · Nov 2004
Comparative StudyComorbid depression and anxiety in fibromyalgia syndrome: relationship to somatic and psychosocial variables.
The prevalence as well as predictors of psychiatric disorders (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition [DSM-IV] axis I and II) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was evaluated. ⋯ These results suggest that FMS is not a homogeneous diagnosis, but shows varying proportions of comorbid anxiety and depression dependent on psychosocial characteristics of the patients. The results demonstrate the importance of not treating patients with FMS as a homogeneous group. Assessment should not only examine the presence of widespread pain and the number of tender points, but also the presence of affective distress. Treatment should focus both on physical and emotional dysfunction.
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Psychosomatic medicine · Sep 2004
Premenstrual exacerbation of depressive disorders in a community-based sample in the United States.
No published epidemiologic study has examined premenstrual exacerbation of depressive disorders (PME-DD) in a representative sample. Knowledge gained should indicate the burden of illness, suggest whom to monitor, and facilitate diagnosis. The objectives were to 1) ascertain the prevalence and predictors of PME-DD; and 2) test competing hypotheses that PME-DD is related to a) severity or history of depression, b) menstrual cyclicity in females in general, or c) a methodological artifact. ⋯ Premenstrual exacerbation of depressive disorders is associated with deteriorated functioning over and above that already experienced by depressed females. Patients may be susceptible regardless of severity of depression, number of episodes, or remission status.
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Psychosomatic medicine · Sep 2004
Comparative StudySexual assault in women veterans: an examination of PTSD risk, health care utilization, and cost of care.
This study examines the differential impact of military, civilian adult, and childhood sexual assault on the likelihood of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also examines the relationship of military sexual assault (MSA) to service utilization and health care costs among women who access services through Veterans Affairs (VA). ⋯ Women veterans have differential rates of PTSD due to sexual assault, with higher rates found among those assaulted while on active duty. Although women with MSA are more likely to have PTSD, results suggest that they are receiving fewer health care services.
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Psychosomatic medicine · Jul 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialTreatment of somatoform disorders with St. John's wort: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial.
To investigate efficacy and safety of St. John's wort (SJW) LI 160 in somatoform disorders. ⋯ Administration of 600 mg of SJW extract LI 160 daily is effective and safe in the treatment of somatoform disorders, thereby confirming results from a previous study.