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ABSTRACT: Background: Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is increasingly being recognized as a new clinical entity after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms persisting for more than three weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19 characterize LCS. Incidence of it ranges from 10% to 35%. We conducted this study via digital platform, to evaluate the psychosomatic disorders of the oral cavity associated with LCS. Aim and Objectives: To assess the association of long COVID syndrome with oral psychosomatic disorders and to identify patients with long-COVID symptoms, Prevalence of psychosocial impact on the population and to do Comparative analysis among male and female. Materials and methods: In this study a Pan-India survey was conducted in which a questionnaire was prepared on Google platform and shared online to participants who had suffered from SARS-CoV-2. Data was collected on a four phase record and statistical analysis was done. Comparisons of proportions between male and female were carried out with Chi square (χ²) test. Results: Results showed females being more affected mentally and psychologically. Males were affected by oro-pharyngeal problems. Majority of participants in the survey were not absolutely healthy after acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: LCS is a multisystem disorder. There's a lack of knowledge in literature in the association of oral lesions with psychosomatic disorders in such individuals. The oral specialist can help diagnose such patients and help plan their lifestyle modification. Further research is required to formulate a standard classification for Long COVID Syndrome which will be help plan a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elderly patients with functional constipation generally have mental and psychological disorders, especially the prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders is much higher than that of normal population. Anxiety and depression can affect gastrointestinal motility and sensation by affecting brain-gut axis. enteric nervous system, hormone neurotransmitters and intestinal flora, leading to functional constipation. The author reviewed the research on the comorbidity of functional constipation and anxiety and depression in the elderly at home and abroad and discussed the application of psychosomatic integration model in clinical practice in order to provide a reference for improving the clinical treatment practice of functional constipation in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an analysis of theoretical and practical results of comprehensive studies on the problem of the emergence and development of psychosomatic disorders, in particular, in patients with renal pathology (genitourinary system). The article focuses on the issues of autonomic dysfunctions and the possibility of using chronopsychological prediction of psychosomatic disorders in patients with renal pathology.

Introduction: Mass psychogenic illness (MPI), also known as mass hysteria (MH), is a mental health disorder that frequently occurs in Nepal. It primarily affects female students in government high schools and occurs during the course of the school day over a few days without corresponding organic causes. Purpose of the study: This study set out to evaluate and give neuroeducation with the goal of preventing and/or managing MPI after documenting the existing state of knowledge regarding MPI. Materials and methods: A total of 234 female students in grades 6 through 10 who attended MH-affected schools (SMH, n = 119) and schools without a mass hysteria history (SNOMH, n = 114) participated in this mass hysteria awareness study. Participants received written pre- and posttests formatted as questionnaires before and after receiving neuroeducation by watching a drama, viewing a human brainspinal cord model demonstration, and attending an instructive lecture on the human neurological system, stress, and mass hysteria. Results: Our neuroeducation awareness study on mass hysteria was found to be effective among all of the participants from both SMH and SNOMH. The results indicated that the aforementioned neuroeducation tools are more effective in improving knowledge about mental stress differently in different grades of SMH and SNOMH students. The basic understanding of the human neurological system was not improved by the neuroeducation tool, according to our findings. Conclusion: Our study suggests that using day-structured neuroeducational tools might be an efficient way to treat mass psychogenic illness in Nepal.

The article provides an analysis of theoretical and practical results of comprehensive studies on the problem of the emergence and development of psychosomatic disorders, in particular, in patients with renal pathology (genitourinary system). The article focuses on the issues of autonomic dysfunctions and the possibility of using chronopsychological prediction of psychosomatic disorders in patients with renal pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 can have serious long term health consequences, which is called Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS). Currently, the available evidence and understanding of PCS management is limited. Because one of the symptoms of PCS is associated to psychological symptoms, psychotherapy is believed to have a role in the management of PCS. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of supportive psychotherapy in PCS patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital. Methods: This study was a single blind randomized clinical trial using a pre-and post-test with control group study design. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a psychotherapy group with 40 participants and an education group with 37 participants. Each group was given internet-based psychotherapy or education three times a week in a form of group consisting of 6-8 participants. Symptom Checklist-90 questionnaire was used to evaluate somatic and psychological symptoms. Heart rate variability and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio were also investigated. Data analysis was performed using the independent T test. Results: An improvement in the SCL-90 score was found to be 17.51 (SD 30.52) in the psychotherapy group and 19.79 (SD 35.10) in the education group, although there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.771). There was no significant difference between the two groups in decreasing NLR (p = 0.178) and improving HRV (p = 0.560). Conclusion: Both internet-based group supportive psychotherapy and education improved psychological and somatic symptoms in PCS patients, although there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in decreasing NLR and improving HRV. Suggestions for further research regarding adding frequency of internet-based group psychotherapy in PCS patients and held in the morning to achieve more optimal results.

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Background: Evidence suggests that low family differentiation leads to anxiety throughout the family and affects children's social functioning and psychosomatic symptoms. Despite numerous studies examining system family therapy's efficacy on various pathological outcomes, including increased differentiation and psychological health, there are rare studies on psychosomatic disorders. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Bowen Family System Therapy on chronic anxiety and differentiation in patients with psychosomatic disorders (migraine, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular disorders). Method: The present study was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study consisted of all patients with three types of psychosomatic disorders including migraine, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders which were referred to Shariati Hospital and Tehran Heart Center in 2020. Thirty eligible people were selected by the available sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups. All of them completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; 1988) and short-form of Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised (DSI-R; Skowron & Friedlander, 1998) in the pretest and posttest stages. The experimental group received Bowen Family System Therapy. Finally, after data collection, a multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data using SPSS-version 19 software. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in both variables of anxiety, differentiation, and all their components (P

Objective: The primary objective of this article was to systematically review the prevalence of somatic symptoms in patients, healthcare workers and general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objectives were to record the association between somatic symptoms and indices of mental distress and to record the qualitative characteristics of such somatic complaints. Methods: Following the PRISMA methodology we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar for primary research reporting on somatic symptoms in association with mental distress. We specifically sought papers reporting on bodily distress disorder, somatic symptoms disorder or medically unexplained symptoms. Results: 1569 papers were retrieved, which yielded 36 relevant studies after screening. 15 studies referred to healthcare workers, 13 to general population, 5 to COVID-19 patients, 2 compared medical with non-medical professionals and 1 was studying COVID-19 patients some of which were also healthcare workers. The reported prevalence of somatic symptoms ranged from 7.4% to 67.8%. Commonly seen symptoms were shortness of breath, dyspnea, palpitations and pain in arms, legs and joints. Conclusions: Our systematic review suggests that somatic symptoms are very frequent during the pandemic and are often linked to mental distress. All three population groups are affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psychosomatic disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in which meaningful psychological events play an effective role. This study aimed to investigate the role of experiential avoidance and alexithymia in the prediction of psychosomatics disorder among the employees at the national Iranian south oil company. Material & Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive correlational study included all employees at the national Iranian south oil company from 2020 to 2021. The sample size of the present study was obtained at 371 people based on Cochran's formula. Due to the possibility of incomplete questionnaires, 418 employees were selected by the available sampling method. They were then requested to complete the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), experiential avoidance (AAQ), and alexithymia (FTAS-20). (Ethic code: 140090) Findings: The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a correlation coefficient of 0.39 between experiential avoidance and psychosomatic disorder which was significant at 0.001. Moreover, there was a correlation coefficient of 0.15 between alexithymia and psychosomatic disorder, which was significant at 0.003. In addition, the results of linear regression analysis showed that experiential avoidance could predict psychosomatic disorders. Discussion & Conclusion: Therefore, according to the findings, in order to reduce psychosomatic disorders, it is necessary to conduct interventions on psychological flexibility and emotional expression. Finally, it is suggested that other empirical and quasi-experimental studies be conducted to confirm these results.

Clinical psychology is an interdisciplinary scientific and practical area of activity that is currently viewed as essential for comprehensive approach to therapy and rehabilitation of patients with various disorders. The paper describes the role of clinical psychologist in working with psychosomatic patients; the clinical psychologist's responsibilities and the differences between these specialists and representatives of related specialties are also explained.

Abstract Background Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional dizziness symptom triggered by psychological stress, but its pathophysiology is unknown. Central sensitization is considered the cause of functional diseases, such as medically unexplained symptoms, and is a psychosocially affected condition. However, the association between dizziness symptoms in PPPD and central sensitization remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relation between dizziness symptoms and central sensitization in PPPD. Methods We recruited 61 outpatients with dizziness who met the PPPD diagnostic criteria. In addition to the evaluation of dizziness symptoms using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the participants were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). A CSI score of 40 or higher was defined as central sensitization syndrome (CSS), and the severity of each condition in CSS and non-CSS participants was compared. We also evaluated the association between dizziness symptoms and central sensitization and coexisting symptoms using linear multiple regression analysis. Results We analyzed the data of 50 valid responses (valid response rate of 82.0 percent). Compared with the non-CSS group, the CSS group had a higher degree of disability owing to dizziness and a higher rate of complications of anxiety and depression. The regression analysis results showed that the severity of central sensitization was a related factor that could enhance the dizziness symptoms of PPPD. Conclusions Central sensitization may affect the dizziness symptoms of PPPD as an exacerbating factor.

Presenteeism is a problem that needs to be solved urgently, both for individual workers and for society overall. In this report, we propose the concept of MHC, which refers to mild mental and physical complaints subjectively perceived by individuals that are not caused by illness. We also planned to examine what kind of physical and mental disorder MHC is and whether food is effective as a method of self-care for MHC. First, we conducted "the comprehensive survey to establish an integrated database of food, gut microbiome, and health information" (the "Sukoyaka Health Survey") and obtained data on psychosomatic disorders and intakes of dietary nutrients. As a result, through factor analysis and item response theory analysis, we found the following specific examples of MHC: lack of vigor, irritability, fatigue, and somatic complaints. In addition, analysis of the relationship between these four MHC levels and the intake dietary nutrients indicated that they are closely related and that MHC levels can be improved by consuming sufficient amounts of multiple nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of psychosomatic disorders is increasing in Indonesia, and therefore screening instruments that are culturally appropriate for the Indonesian population are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Shatri Sinulingga psychosomatic test (SSPT) questionnaire as a screening instrument for psychosomatic disorders in Indonesia. An analytic descriptive cross-sectional study divided into two stages (questionnaire formulation and distribution through the Psikosom.id application) was conducted in 2023. The validity test was carried out using the product moment technique, and Cronbach's alpha assessment was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire. A total of 372 participants were included, with a mean age of 39.24 years old. The SSPT questionnaire scores had strong correlations with the scores of hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) ( r  = 0.668; p  < 0.001) and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) ( r  = 0.674; p  < 0.001); and moderately correlated with the score of fatigue severity scale (FSS) ( r  = 0.505; p  < 0.001) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) ( r  = 0.492; p  < 0.001). The correlation coefficient ( r ) value of each SSPT question ranged from 0.389-0.726, and all r higher than r table with an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.744. The SSPT questionnaire's strong predictive performance: had a sensitivity of 75.6% and specificity of 71.4% with an area under the curve (AUC) of 81% (95%CI: 76.6-85.4%; p  < 0.001) to HADS; sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 58.6% with an AUC of 75.1% (95%CI: 70-80.2%; p  < 0.001) to FSS; sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 67.5% with an AUC of 71.2% (95%CI: 65.4-77%; p  < 0.001) to PSQI; and had sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 67.4% with an AUC of 80.9% (95%CI: 76.6-85.3%; p  < 0.001) to SCL-90. The study highlights that the SSPT questionnaire is valid and reliable to be used as a screening instrument for psychosomatic disorders in Indonesia., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Background: Evidence suggests that low family differentiation leads to anxiety throughout the family and affects children's social functioning and psychosomatic symptoms. Despite numerous studies examining system family therapy's efficacy on various pathological outcomes, including increased differentiation and psychological health, there are rare studies on psychosomatic disorders. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Bowen Family System Therapy on chronic anxiety and differentiation in patients with psychosomatic disorders (migraine, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular disorders). Method: The present study was quasi -experimental with a pretest -posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study consisted of all patients with three types of psychosomatic disorders including migraine, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders which were referred to Shariati Hospital and Tehran Heart Center in 2020. Thirty eligible people were selected by the available sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups. All of them completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; 1988) and short -form of Differentiation of Self Inventory -Revised (DSI -R; Skowron & Friedlander, 1998) in the pretest and posttest stages. The experimental group received Bowen Family System Therapy. Finally, after data collection, a multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data using SPSS -version 19 software. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in both variables of anxiety, differentiation, and all their components (P<0.01). So, Bowen Family System Therapy reduced anxiety and increased differentiation in the experimental group. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that the treatment of Bowens Family System Therapy is effective in reducing the symptoms of chronic anxiety and increasing differentiation. Therefore, training psychologists, counselors, family therapists, and other educators in the field of family therapy are beneficial in promoting differentiation in the whole family system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness, also known as PPPD or 3PD, is a chronic functional vestibular disorder characterized by persistent sensation of rocking or swaying unsteadiness and/or non-spinning dizziness without vertigo lasting at least 3 months. Symptoms typically worsen with upright posture (like standing or sitting upright), head or body motion and exposure to busy or visually rich environments. The article describes the application of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback (ILF NF) over 32 sessions on an unmedicated individual with symptoms related to PPPD that were still present 3 years after the initial diagnosis. Along with significant reduction in those symptoms, other accompanying symptoms (like anxiety, intrusive violent thoughts, suicidal thoughts) were markedly improved with ILF NFB. Consistent symptomtracking fromsession to session, as well as before and after CPT data were used to document reported changes with ILF NF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness, also known as PPPD or 3PD, is a chronic functional vestibular disorder characterized by persistent sensation of rocking or swaying unsteadiness and/ or non-spinning dizziness without vertigo lasting at least 3 months. Symptoms typically worsen with upright posture (like standing or sitting upright), head or body motion and exposure to busy or visually rich environments. The article describes the application of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback (ILF NF) over 32 sessions on an unmedicated individual with symptoms related to PPPD that were still present 3 years after the initial diagnosis. Along with significant reduction in those symptoms, other accompanying symptoms (like anxiety, intrusive violent thoughts, suicidal thoughts) were markedly improved with ILF NFB. Consistent symptom tracking from session to session, as well as before and after CPT data were used to document reported changes with ILF NF.

Background: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional dizziness symptom triggered by psychological stress, but its pathophysiology is unknown. Central sensitization is considered the cause of functional diseases, such as medically unexplained symptoms, and is a psychosocially affected condition. However, the association between dizziness symptoms in PPPD and central sensitization remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relation between dizziness symptoms and central sensitization in PPPD. Methods: We recruited 61 outpatients with dizziness who met the PPPD diagnostic criteria. In addition to the evaluation of dizziness symptoms using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the participants were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). A CSI score of 40 or higher was defined as central sensitization syndrome (CSS), and the severity of each condition in CSS and non-CSS participants was compared. We also evaluated the association between dizziness symptoms and central sensitization and coexisting symptoms using linear multiple regression analysis. Results: We analyzed the data of 50 valid responses (valid response rate of 82.0 percent). Compared with the non-CSS group, the CSS group had a higher degree of disability owing to dizziness and a higher rate of complications of anxiety and depression. The regression analysis results showed that the severity of central sensitization was a related factor that could enhance the dizziness symptoms of PPPD. Conclusions: Central sensitization may affect the dizziness symptoms of PPPD as an exacerbating factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psychosomatic disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in which meaningful psychological events play an effective role. This study aimed to investigate the role of experiential avoidance and alexithymia in the prediction of psychosomatics disorder among the employees at the national Iranian south oil company. Material & Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive correlational study included all employees at the national Iranian south oil company from 2020 to 2021. The sample size of the present study was obtained at 371 people based on Cochran's formula. Due to the possibility of incomplete questionnaires, 418 employees were selected by the available sampling method. They were then requested to complete the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), experiential avoidance (AAQ), and alexithymia (FTAS-20). (Ethic code: 140090) Findings: The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a correlation coefficient of 0.39 between experiential avoidance and psychosomatic disorder which was significant at 0.001. Moreover, there was a correlation coefficient of 0.15 between alexithymia and psychosomatic disorder, which was significant at 0.003. In addition, the results of linear regression analysis showed that experiential avoidance could predict psychosomatic disorders. Discussion & Conclusion: Therefore, according to the findings, in order to reduce psychosomatic disorders, it is necessary to conduct interventions on psychological flexibility and emotional expression. Finally, it is suggested that other empirical and quasi-experimental studies be conducted to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early medical intervention for psychosocial problems detected in adolescents in a school health checkup, with the broader goal of prevention of these problems in adolescents. Methods: The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items score and scores for five subscales (physical symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, self-efficacy, and family function), and an investigation of lifestyle were determined in a school health checkup for 5th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high school students. Forty-three children were found to be at high risk for psychosomatic disorder, of whom 18 then received a medical intervention (early intervention group) and 25 did not (non-intervention group). Fifty-seven children (outpatient group) treated for psychosomatic disorder for ≤3 months were also included in the study. The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) was completed by all participants every 3 months for 1 year and scores were compared among the groups. Results: In the early intervention group, total Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items scores; physical, depression, and anxiety symptoms; and unstable relationships with friends and teachers at school all significantly improved after 1 year compared to the first survey. None of these items improved in the non-intervention group, while the outpatient group had gradual improvement in all scores. Family function scores in the early intervention group improved over time, whereas those in the non-intervention group worsened. Conclusions: Early detection of children at high risk for psychosomatic disorder at a school health checkup and early medical intervention were useful for prevention of psychosomatic disorder in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the psychological profile of pet owners with the ones who didn’t own any pets. The research method was a casual-comparative study. Pet owners and people without pets were included in this research which was done in Iran in February 2017. One hundred and sixty people were selected in this sample in a nonrandom available sampling method and matched in terms of demographic characteristics. Eighty people, pet owners, were referred to the veterinary clinics and 80 didn’t own any pets. They were assessed by a psychological signs inventory. The result of ANOVA indicated that pet owners and those without any pets were indifferent in the characteristics of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hostility, paranoid, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychosis, while those without any pets, statistically had a higher average in somatization and depression than the pet owners and it could be justified by corrective emotional experience, displacement, and sublimation in the pet owner. This statistic can be based on the fact that pet owners use these animals as an object for thrilling topics which is a factor to decrease their psychological stress and increase their physical health.

The article discusses using mobile applications for smartphones as tools to reduce anxiety and stress. The modern views on pathogenesis of the relationship between stress, anxiety disorders and cardiovascular disease are considered. Based on a review of some representative studies, a methodology for evaluating the characteristics and functions of mobile applications for managing anxiety and stress symptoms is proposed. The applications selected for analysis were tested according to this methodology. There are following key features of the Russianlanguage field of mobile applications for anxiety and stress reduction: a small number of applications, high prevalence of using breathing exercises, meditations and sound therapy, an extremely low disease specificity and focus mainly on helping with general symptoms of anxiety.

Background: The 30‐item Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment (QTA30) is a standardized triage and assessment tool for assessing pediatric psychosomatic disorders. It is estimated that one in 10 children in Japan experience difficulties in their school life. Using the QTA30 we evaluated mental health in children at an outpatient clinic in a local hospital. Methods: All elementary and junior high school students (≥9 years) who visited our institution between December 1 2019 and March 31 2020 were asked to complete the QTA30. Result: A total of 372 children responded. Half of the children with a psychosomatic disorder and 9% of children with other chronic disorders were suspected to have poor mental health. Suspected poor mental health was associated with higher odds of female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–3.39), junior high school students (OR: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.11–6.73), and not enjoying exercise (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.16–3.9). The mean ± standard deviation total QTA30 score was significantly worse in children with psychosomatic disorders (38.0 ± 19.1) among children with other chronic diseases; however, only the score in children with central precocious puberty (27.4 ± 13.7) showed no difference. Conclusion: Based on our survey, the percentage of children suspected to have mental health problems manifesting as non‐psychosomatic chronic disorders was similar to the proportion of children suspected to experience difficulties with their school life. Pediatricians should carefully consider the possibility of mental health problems when children are seen in regular visits to the outpatient clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In adolescence, physical symptoms may develop due to psychosocial problems but such problems are not fully evaluated in school medical checkups. The aim of this study was to compare lifestyle factors with psychosomatic symptoms in adolescents using the subscales of the Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) in school health checkups. Methods: The QTA30 was used in checkups for 3,414 students from the fifth grade of primary school to the third grade of junior high school in south Wakayama prefecture. The QTA is a self‐completed questionnaire with five subscales of physical symptoms, depression symptoms, self‐efficacy, anxiety symptoms, and family function. Each subscale is divided into three groups of clinical, borderline, and healthy, based on the subscale score. Subscale scores were compared with lifestyle items of gender, grade, habits, life events, and school attendance. Results: The clinical rate for all subscales was significantly higher for a higher grade (P < 0.001). Anxiety symptoms were correlated with physical symptoms (r = 0.560). Anxiety and physical symptoms were significantly higher for students who went to bed at a later time with no absences in the last month and who had problems with friends and teachers (both P < 0.001). Family function correlated with self‐efficacy (r = 0.418) but not with other subscales. Study time was most related to self‐efficacy (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The QTA30 subscale scores facilitated detection of psychosomatic stress and latent risks of psychosomatic disease at an early stage. Thus, the use of the QTA30 in a school medical checkup may permit early intervention for psychosomatic stress in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: Two important diseases related to Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition (PFAMC) are Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD). Relation between PFAMC and new psychological factors is still unknown. The present study aimed to compare anxiety sensitivity (AS) and metacognition beliefs in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders, coronary heart diseases and healthy individuals in Isfahan, Iran. Material and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients with IBS and 50 patients with CHD who diagnosed by cardiologists and gastroenterologists and 50 healthy individuals were matched by the same demographic variables (Gender, Education level, Marital status, Occupational status). The data collection tools consisted of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and Metacognition Questionnaire - 30 items (MCQ-30). The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: The results showed CHD group has more significant physical concerns and mental incapacitation concerns compare to IBS and control groups. It means CHD patients have more fear of physical symptoms related to anxiety (such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling and feeling faint) and physical symptoms related to anxiety (such as lack of concentration and nervousness). Also IBS group has significantly higher positive metacognitive beliefs than CHD and control groups. Discussion: The results showed that AS and metacognitive beliefs about worry play a crucial role in PFAMC such as IBS and CHD. Hence, the management of AS and metacognitive beliefs by clinicians in the treatment of these disorders is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the suggestion of a relationship between development or progression of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and psychological stress, few studies have reported its proportion or association with treatment efficacy. Objective: We aimed to investigate the proportion of MPS with psychological stress among cancer patients and to compare the efficacy of trigger point injection (TPI) in the same patients with/without psychological stress. Design: This was a prospective observational study. Setting/Patients: Participants were 205 patients with cancer who received TPIs for MPS at a hospital in Japan. Results: The proportion of patients with MPS and psychological stress was 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.64). The TPI efficacy rate at seven days after treatment was 0.55 (95% CI 0.46–0.64) for patients with MPS and psychological stress and 0.82 (95% CI 0.74–0.90) for their counterparts without psychological stress (p < 0.004). The odds ratio for TPI efficacy seven days after treatment with psychological stress versus without psychological stress was 0.25 (95% CI 0.13–0.49). Conclusions: MPS was a clinical symptom of psychosomatic disorder in approximately half of our patients. The TPI efficacy for patients with MPS who had psychological stress was lower than for their counterparts without psychological stress. Trial registration: UMIN000041210. Registered 27 July 2020 (retrospectively registered). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the psychodynamics of three mother-infant pairs with reflux diagnosis and two with colic diagnosis and their possible relation to the referred psychosomatic disorders. Qualitative exploratory study in which the sample was composed after signing the informed consent form. Instruments: semi-directed interview, seven boards of the Thematic Apperception Test and Naturalistic Observation. Content analysis of the interviews and TAT boards was performed and the way the mother perceived the productions of the baby was considered from naturalistic observation. These analyses supported psychodynamic interpretations of the functioning of the dyads studied. As main results, the reflux group highlights the need for maternal support and the presence of maternal ambivalence. In mother-infant pairs with colic, there is anxiety regarding their own ability to care for their child. In both groups, there is environmental influence on the way mothers feel about sufficiently good mothering.

Background: In adolescence, physical symptoms may develop due to psychosocial problems, but such problems are not fully evaluated in school medical checkups. The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of students with high and low scores on the Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) in a school health checkup. Methods: The QTA30 (a self‐completed questionnaire) was used in checkups for 3,414 students from the 5th grade of primary schools to the 3rd grade of junior high schools in south Wakayama Prefecture. The students were divided into groups with high (QTA30 ≥ 37) and low (QTA30 < 37) risk for psychosomatic disorder. Eleven items, including gender, grade, lifestyle habits, and life events, were compared between these groups, and in subgroups with and without recent absence from school. Results: The QTA30 response rate was 87.9%. The high‐risk group had significantly more 3rd grade students (P< 0.001), females (P< 0.001), problems with teachers or friends (P< 0.001), and experience of bullying (P< 0.001), in addition to game playing for ≥2 h (P< 0.001), late bedtime (P< 0.001), and many absences (P< 0.001). Students in the high‐risk group with no absences for 1 month regardless of age still had a late bedtime and problems with friends, and 76.4% of the high‐risk students had not visited a medical institution. Conclusions: Use of the QTA30 facilitated detection of psychosomatic stress in school medical checkups, with latent risks of truancy detectable at an early phase. The QTA30 may thus be useful in early intervention for psychosomatic stress of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychosomatic disorders are characterized by somatic signs of non-pathological origin which possess a significant prevalence in children and adolescents; however, it is difficult to identify them, because there is no appropriate consent for its diagnosis and the investigations about the topic are insufficient. That is the reason why we decided to carry out the present work, in which some etiopathogenic, clinical and epidemiological aspects are approached that provide the main elements to identify these disorders and to establish a good diagnosis; it is also relevant that these disorders are frequent in juvenile populations with introversion features and/or personal and family history of physical and mental diseases, with multifactorial cause, although among the many relevant factors we can mention vulnerability to stress, family dysfunction, parental overprotection, as well as the precipitant situations (school harassment, parents' separation, sexual abuse) and the permanent situations; the latter are conditioned by the primary and secondary benefits that minors obtain with these sufferings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental beliefs about the cause of their child's illness are thought to affect parents' help-seeking behaviors, treatment decisions, and the child's health outcomes. Yet, research on parental beliefs about disease causation is still scarce. While a small number of studies assesses parental cause attributions for singular disorders (e.g., neurodevelopmental disorders), no study has compared disorders with differing physical versus mental conditions or with mixed comorbidities in children and adolescents or their caregivers. Furthermore, most pediatric research suffers from a lack of data on fathers.Objective: Hence, the objective of the current study was to test for possible differences in mothers' and fathers' perceptions about the etiology of their child's illness.Methods: Forty-two parent couples (overall N = 84) whose child had been diagnosed either with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (category "neurodevelopmental disorder") or with a primary physical illness and a comorbid mental disorder, e.g. depression (category "psychosomatic disorder") were asked to rate possible causes of their child's illness using a modified version of the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) Cause scale.Results: A two-way ANOVA showed that psychosomatic disorders were significantly more strongly attributed to be caused by medical and environmental stressors than neurodevelopmental disorders. A significant parent × illness category interaction revealed that this effect was more pronounced in fathers.Conclusions: By providing first insights into parental beliefs about the etiology of their children's neurodevelopmental versus psychosomatic disorders, this study paves ground for future research and tailored counseling of affected families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Adolescents do present with somatization disorder which is often neglected by pediatricians. This could have serious consequences if not curbed early. Objectives This study is aimed at determining the pattern and types of Somatization disorder among adolescents attending secondary schools in south east Nigeria. Methods Somatization disorder was investigated among 485 adolescents from mixed schools using a stratified random sampling of adolescents from four secondary schools in southeast Nigeria. The Enugu somatization scale was used to evaluate for presence of somatization in the participants. Statistical analysis was with statistical package for social sciences (SPPS) version 19 (Chicago IL). Results A total of 485 adolescents aged 10–19 years were included in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 16.36 with standard deviation (SD) of 3.14 years. Two hundred and fifty-one (51.8%) had head features, 262 (54.0%) had body features, 303 (62.5%) had either head or body features while 210 (43.3%) had both head and body features. One hundred and thirty-four males (51.3%) compared to 117 females (52.2%) reported symptoms consistent with head symptoms (p = 0.038). One hundred and eleven males (42.5%) compared to 99 females (44.2) reported symptoms related to the head and body (p = 0.137) while 135 males (51.7%) compared to 127 females (56.7%) reported symptoms related to the body (p = 0.925). There were significant associations of age in categories with head, body, either head or body as well as both head and body features (all p value

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Promoting spiritual health is essential for achieving holistic wellness. The modern era has recorded a sharp increase in lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, allergic disorders, psychosomatic disorders, mental illnesses and diseases associated with low immunity. The goal of positive health for all remains unachieved as the World Health Organization (WHO) has not included 'spiritual health' in its definition of health. The basic pathophysiology of most of the diseases could be explained scientifically through the primary respiratory mechanism (PRM). The PRM is 'breathe spark plug'. If strengthened, it could influence and decline occurrence of lifestyle diseases and lead to a positive health status. Recent emphasis on yoga, meditation and wellness by the Government of India are some of the available methods to achieve positive health. This article discusses the role of PRMs to understand and improve health and well-being. We propose that the inclusion of yoga and meditation in the primary health care as promoted by the Government of India is one of the best available methods to achieve positive health and holistic wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tension-type headache is a common psychosomatic disease with physical and psychological symptoms causes impairment in different lives. As stress and emotional distress are the start-up factors in different headaches, emotion regulation can be considered as an important factor in effective control and adaptation of this disorder. The present research is trying to investigate the effect of the training of emotion regulation on the level of distress tolerance and reduction of emotion regulation difficulties on female patients with tension headache disorders. Methods: This is a semi experimental study with pretest-posttest design with a control and experimental groups. The statistical random sampling in this research were taken in Isfahan in the year 91 including female patients effected with tension-type headaches in two groups. 30 patients were selected and randomly assign to experimental and control groups. Before treatment, the patients received questionaires regarding the difficulties of emotion regulations (DERS) and tention tolerance (DTS). Finally, post-test and follow-up activities along with evaluation and measurment of the results were implemented. The duration of the treatment for the research group was 8 sessions (one session each week) and follow-up activities were effected 30 days after post-test. The data was analyzed by spss-20 software with covariance method. Results: Findings after analysis showed that emotion regulations led to the decrease of the level of the strict difficulties of emotion regulation and also enhancement of distress tolerance of the patients bearing headache tensions. (P

Background: Psychosomatic disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders in which psychological factors play an important role in the development, maintenance, and exacerbation of medical conditions. The most important category of psychosomatic disorders is functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). The present study aimed to compare anxiety sensitivity (AS) and metacognitions between patients with FGID and healthy individuals in Isfahan, Iran.Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients (13 men and 37 women) with FGID who were diagnosed by a gastroenterologist and had the study inclusion criteria and 50 matched healthy individuals (15 men and 35 women). The subjects were randomly selected. The data collection tools consisted of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index‎-Revised (ASI-R) and Metacognitive Beliefs Questionnaire (MCQ-30). The data were analyzed in SPSS software.Results: The results showed that there were significant differences in all subscales of ASI-R and MCQ-30, except the fear of publicly observable symptoms subscale in the ASI-R and negative beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts and corresponding danger (UD) subscale in MCQ-30 between patients with FGID and healthy individuals.Conclusion: The results showed that AS and metacognitive beliefs about worry play a crucial role in psychosomatic disorders such as FGID. Anxiety has appeared as the common component between FGID. Hence, the management of anxiety in FGID by clinicians in the treatment of these disorders is recommended.

Background: Level of stress and its management affects the dimensions of psychosomatic patients′ quality of life (QoL), which is an important psychological issue. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral stress management program on psychosomatic patients′ QoL. In cognitive behavioral method, patients discover thought and behavioral mistakes and recover them. The criterion to evaluate the success of the present study was measurement of the patients′ QoL and its notable improvement after intervention. Materials and Methods: This is a before-and-after clinical trial with a control group. The study participants comprised 70 psychosomatic patients referred to subspecial psychiatry clinic in Isfahan who were selected through convenient sampling and allocated to the study and control groups. Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF36) was adopted to collect the data. The questionnaire was completed by the participants in three stages of before-and-after up to a month after intervention. Cognitive behavioral stress management program was administrated in study group for eight straight sessions, two month, and a month after intervention. Along with this, conventional medical treatments were conducted for both the groups. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The significance level was P < 0.001. Results: There was no significant difference in QoL mean scores between the two groups before intervention (44, 43.1), but mean scores of QoL were significantly higher in intervention G (55.7, 59.1), compared to control (39.8, 35.7), after intervention (P < 0.001) and one month after intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Cognitive behavioral stress management, conducted in the present study, had a notable effect on QoL. Therefore, designing psychological interventions based on cognitive behavioral stress management is suggested as an efficient clinical intervention.

In recent years, there has been increasing global concern about the rising prevalence and rapid progression of psychosomatic disorders (PD). This surge can be attributed to irregular biological conditions and the increasingly stressful lifestyles that individuals lead, ultimately resulting in functional impairments of vital organs. PD arises from intricate interactions involving the central nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Notably, the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis plays an essential role, as its dysregulation is influenced by prolonged stress and psychological distress. Consequently, stress hormones, including cortisol, exert detrimental effects on immunological function, inflammation, and homeostatic equilibrium. It emerges as physical symptoms influenced by psychological factors, such as persistent pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, or respiratory complications, and is pertinent to highlight that excessive and chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional distress may engender the onset or exacerbation of cardiovascular disorders, namely hypertension and heart disease. Although several therapeutic strategies have been proposed so far, the precise etiology of PD remains elusive due to the intricate nature of disease progression and the underlying modalities of action. This comprehensive review seeks to elucidate the diverse classifications of psychosomatic disorders, explicate their intricate mechanisms, and shed light on their impact on the human body, which may act as catalysts for the development of various other diseases. Additionally, it explores the inherent medico-clinical challenges posed by PD and also explores the cutting-edge technologies, tools, and data analytics pipelines that are being applied in the contemporary era to effectively analyze psychosomatic data., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)