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The relationship between somatization and posttraumatic symptoms among immigrants receiving primary care services *
Author(s) -
Aragona Massimiliano,
Catino Elena,
Pucci Daniela,
Carrer Sara,
Colosimo Francesco,
Lafuente Montserrat,
Mazzetti Marco,
Maisano Bianca,
Geraci Salvatore
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20571
Subject(s) - somatization , primary care , clinical psychology , psychiatry , immigration , psychology , medicine , anxiety , family medicine , archaeology , history
Traumatic experiences and somatization are related in studies on complex trauma, though this relation is rarely studied in immigrants. The relationship between somatization and self‐reported traumatic experiences and posttraumatic symptoms in patients attending a primary care service for immigrants was studied. The sample consisted of 101 patients attending a primary healthcare service dedicated to immigrants. Participants completed two self‐assessment questionnaires specifically designed for use in transcultural research: the Bradford Somatic Inventory and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Both were translated and back‐translated into eight languages. Somatization was significantly related to traumatic events and posttraumatic symptoms. In primary care centers for immigrants, physicians should give particular attention to somatization as a possible sign of unreported posttraumatic symptoms.