The Somatization of Depression in Native Pakistani Women

Abstract

Abst ra ct Previous studies have pointed out the comorbidity ofsomatization and depression among 71071-Western psychiatric patients. We studied the somatization qfdepression in Pakistani women. Two groups were studied: inpatients with DSM-III-R diagnoses qf major depression and a comparison sample oftoomen living in the community without psychiatric diagnoses. Both groups were administered a rating scale JOr somatization. Results indicated that patients reported significantly more somatic symptoms than nonpatients. These fin dings support the concept that somatization may be a cultural mode qf mental distress among Pakistani women, as has been observedJOr other 71071 -Western populations.