The Concept of Somatisation A Cross-cultural perspective
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2010, Vol 10, Issue 2
Abstract
Somatisation is generally defned as the tendency to experience psychological distress in the form of somatic symptoms and to seek medical help for these symptoms, which may be initiated and/or perpetuated by emotional responses such as anxiety and depression. Somatisation has been recognised as a commonly encountered problem, especially in primary health care, contributing to frequent use of medical services and to frustration in both the patient and the doctor. In recent years, there has been a great deal of dissatisfaction with the terminology and classifcation of somatisation, and the way this defnition is applied to non-Western cultures. Tis dilemma pertains to different aspects of the defnitions, mainly their usefulness, adequacy and applicability. Tis article aims to review the literature on the development of the concept of somatisation and how this defnition is applied from a cross-cultural aspect.
Authors and Affiliations
Zakiya Q Al Busaidi| Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP13941
- DOI -
- Views 335
- Downloads 13
Medical Tourism Abroad A new challenge to Oman’s health system - Al Dakhilya region experience
Objectives: Tis study aimed to understand why people seek medical advice abroad given the trouble and expense this entails. Te types of medical problems for which treatment abroad was sought, preferred destinations and...
Attitudes of Students at Sultan Qaboos University towards the Nursing Profession
Objectives: Te aim of this study was to explore the attitudes of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) students towards the nursing profession. Methods: A sample of 377 students (male = 130; female = 247) were selected from d...
Use of Intracervical Foley Catheter for Induction of Labour in Cases of Previous Caesarean Section Experience of a single tertiary centre in Oman
Objectives: Tis study aimed to evaluate rates of success and perinatal complications of labour induction using an intracervical Foley catheter among women with a previous Caesarean delivery at a tertiary centre in Oman...
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residents
Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Saudi Arabia are not often reported in the literature. This study aimed to identify musculoskeletal symptoms among otorhinolaryngology residents in Saudi Arabia. Meth...
The Correlation between Electroencephalography Amplitude and Interictal Abnormalities Audit study
Objectives: Te aim of this study was to establish the relationship between background amplitude and interictal abnormalities in routine electroencephalography (EEG). Methods: Tis retrospective audit was conducted betwe...