Key words: somatic, depression, anxiety, symptoms, people, panic
J.Z. Dibirova
Social-psychological characteristics of somatic symptoms such as anxiety and depression on Azerbaijanis
Summary
This study examines the prevalence and nature of somatic symptoms in Azerbaijani individuals diagnosed with panic disorder and examines their relationship with anxiety and depression. A sample of 200 adults diagnosed with panic disorder from different regions of Azerbaijan was evaluated using the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Somatic symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptom Severity Scale. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of somatic symptoms among participants, with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory problems being the most commonly reported. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between somatic symptom intensity and levels of anxiety and depression, indicating that higher somatic symptom severity was associated with greater psychological distress. These results emphasize the need for complex treatment approaches that include both psychological and somatic dimensions of panic disorder in the population of Azerbaijan.
