TRANSCULTURAL ASPECTS OF DISSOCIATIVE AND SOMATOFORM DISORDERS

Somatic manifestations and concerns constitute universal ''idioms of distress.'' Psychiatry has dealt with the somatizer's plight by composing nosologic categories known as somatoform and dissociative disorders. Somatoform disorders are neglected diagnoses in primary care settings but the current era of cost containment has generated new awareness among health professionals. An operational definition of unexplained somatic symptoms is proposed. In addition, a distinction must be made between expressions of distress and formal psychopathologic states. Secondary somatoform disorders are common presentations in affective and anxiety syndromes, whereas primary somatoform syndromes have pseudoneurologic symptoms at their core. This article analyzes two studies to document somatization studies of minority groups in the United States with an emphasis on the Hispanic population. Future research should encompass both national and international studies in order to elaborate a more culturally congruent list of somatizing symptoms and syndromes as well as to shed new light on the international distribution and mechanisms at play in their clinical presentation.