TITLE:
Is all we know that we know nothing? A critical review of the prevalence of somatoform disorders in the elderly
AUTHORS:
Maria Christina Dehoust, Holger Schulz, Martin Härter, Sylke Andreas
KEYWORDS:
Somatoform Disorders; Epidemiology; Diagnostics; DSM-V; Geriatrics
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.3 No.4,
September
25,
2013
ABSTRACT: Objective: As noted in previous reviews, the prevalence
rates for somatoform disorders in the elderly that have been reported are
highly heterogeneous. The main aim of this paper is to identify the reasons for
the substantial variation in prevalence rates and discuss the potential of
future diagnostic criteria to address current difficulties. Methods: We
conducted a selective review of the literature on the prevalence of somatoform
disorders in elderly populations. Results: We found significant conceptual
differences between the described diagnostic groups and the criteria applied
across studies. Moreover, substantial disparities related to sample selection,
age cut-offs, and applied measures were revealed. Conclusions: A general
conceptual confusion exists throughout the literature regarding somatoform
disorders in the elderly that significantly hinder the comparison and
integration of results and can lead to premature conclusions. The redefinition
of the somatoform disorder category in the next version of the DSM should be
taken as an opportunity to address this issue and facilitate research.