Relation of Depression to Specific Medical Complaints in Psychiatric Inpatients

Abstract

Although there is strong evidence for the relationship between depressive symptoms and medical problems, few studies have directly examined the association between depression and specific medical complaints. The purpose of the current research was to investigate the relationship between depression and complaints in specific bodily systems in a sample of psychiatric inpatients. 55 patients, with a mean age of 40.72 yr. ( SD = 13.98), completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Cornell Medical Index Health Questionnaire. Significant relationships were found between level of depression and the frequency of symptoms reported in the cardiovascular, skin, and nervous systems.