Features of health care utilization in patients with somatoform disorders

Somatoform disorders are extremely relevant for the health care system because of high preva lence rates and intensive health care utilization: In our study we investigated the frequency of GP visits and variables of health care utilization in a group of patients suffering from medically unexplained symptoms in primary care. A total of 295 patients participated-fulfilling the inclusion criteria of having at least two medically unexplained symptoms. Patients were asked to participate when they consulted their GP Mental disorders and health care utilization were assessed with a structured interview.The majority of participants (82%) fulfilled the criteria for at least one somatoform disorder. Mean frequency of consultations of physicians was 15 during the last 6 months. Correlates of the number of doctor visits sits were number of somatoform symptoms, age, health anxiety, general anxiety and depression, but only the number of symptoms and age were significant predictors of health care utilization in a regression analysis. Implications for clinical practice and treatment are discussed.