thesis

La somatisation et les troubles somatoformes. Criteres diagnostiques, facteurs de risque et modalites evolutives : une etude epidemiologique et clinique

Defense date:

Jan. 1, 1997

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Institution:

Paris 7

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Abstract EN:

The concept of somatization is a difficult one. Different definitions for somatization and for somatoform disorders account for differences in prevalence, comorbidity, and risk factors. This study evaluates several classifications (dsm-iii-r, dsm-iv, icd-10) and operational definitions for these disorders. Moreover, their prevalence in a group of patients presenting with multiple unexplained somatic symptoms, their comorbidity with other mental disorders and their vulnerability factors are studied. Somatizers are known for the frequent consultations and medical interventions they require, and for their general insatisfaction with medical diagnoses or with the absence of an organic diagnosis. The evolution of their symptoms and disorders is difficult to assess. It is not clear which criteria should be used to determine whether a patient is improving. Although our patients were treated extensively and received somatic as well as psychiatric treatment in many cases, their symptoms often persisted and their attitude towards these symptoms didn't change.

Abstract FR:

La somatisation est un concept aux contours mal definis. Dans la litterature, les definitions differentes donnees a la somatisation et aux troubles somatoformes determinent souvent les variations dans leur prevalence, leur comorbidite, et leurs facteurs de risque. Ce travail etudie les differentes classifications (dsm-iii-r, dsm-iv, cim-10) et definitions operationnelles de ces troubles leur prevalence dans une population clinique de patients souffrant de multiples symptomes somatiques inexpliques, les facteurs de vulnerabilite influencant leur survenue, et la comorbidite avec d'autres troubles mentaux. L'utilisation du systeme de soins que font ces patients est particuliere et denote une insatisfaction avec les diagnostics qu'ils recoivent d'habitude. L'etude de l'evolution de ces troubles s'avere problematique en raison de l'incertitude par rapport aux criteres a utiliser pour parler de "guerison". Bien que les patients de notre etude ont recu de nombreux traitements somatiques et psychiatriques, leurs symptomes persistaient dans nombre de cas, et leur attitude envers ses symptomes n'avait pas change.