Somatic Symptoms in Depression and Their Correlation with Suicidality - A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Diagnostic criteria for MDD is based on psychological and vegetative symptoms. However, other somatic and pain symptoms are frequent in these patients. We wanted to study the prevalence of somatic symptoms in 1st episode of depression and assess its correlation with suicidality. METHODSPatients aged 18 – 65 yrs. attending psychiatry outpatient department and admitted in wards, meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A total of 177 patients was included. Patients were assessed with sociodemographic proforma. M.I.N.I. was used to diagnose major depressive disorder and to rule out the presence of other comorbid psychiatric illness. PHQ - 15 was used to detect the presence of somatic symptoms. Suicidality was assessed with Beck’s Hopelessness Scale. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis Test, Fisher's Exact Test, Chi - Squared Test, and Spearman correlation. RESULTSThere is 100 % prevalence of somatic symptoms in depression out of which Somatic Symptom Severity was minimal in 11.9 %, low in 54.2 %, medium in 32.2 %, and severe in 1.7 %. There was a strong positive correlation between PHQ - 15 Score and BHS Score, and this correlation was statistically significant (rho = 0.61, p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONSMany patients presenting predominantly with somatic complaints are misdiagnosed when they are evaluated in the primary care or medical clinics. In view of the high prevalence of somatic symptoms in depression, it is important to include these symptoms in the diagnostic criteria of depression, so as to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis.