Briquet's syndrome (somatization disorder) and primary depression: Comparison of background and outcome

Abstract

The authors screened the charts of consecutive past admissions to select 49 cases meeting research criteria for Briquet's Syndrome. These were matched to 49 primary depression cases and to a group with a discharge diagnosis of hysteria without a research diagnosis of Briquet's Syndrome. The nondiagnostic historical variables assessed did not distinguish the groups. Briquet's Syndrome patients were less likely than the other groups to eventually experience complete recovery according to follow-up information in the charts. Differences in outcome between groups were consistent with previously reported difference in illness patterns among the first degree relatives. © 1981.