Somatoform disorders in post-stroke patients from Southern China

Objective: This study aimed to establish the frequency and characteristics of somatoform disorders in patients with acute stroke in the Neurology Department in Nanfang Hospital, Southern China. Methods: This cross-sectional study was initiated from October 2014 to February 2015 in the Neurology Department in Nanfang Hospital, Southern China. A total of 70 patients with acute stroke were evaluated to study the frequency and characteristics of somatoform disorders. The participants were interviewed by experienced neurologists and psychiatrists. Each patient was also assessed using Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) somatic domain, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Results: Of the 70 patients recruited in the study, 33 patients (47%) were with somatoform disorders (assessed by SLC-90 somatoform domain) and 37 patients without somatoform disorders. Both HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly higher in patients with somatoform disorders. The morning serum cortisol level was significantly lower in the patients with somatoform disorders compared with the patients without somatoform disorders. Conclusion: Somatoform disorders are quite common in patients with acute stroke. Hence neurologists should pay attention to this problem when treating such patients.