CLINICAL FEATURES OF SLEEP DISORDERS IN SOMATOFORM DISORDERS

The changing socio-political environment, economic factors, scientific and technologicalprogress, and the rapid flow of information all contribute to increased mental strain, impactingboth physical and mental health. High-stress levels, traumatic events, and chronic illnesses canlead to somatoform disorders, which manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular disorders. Up to 60.0 % of patients with somatoform disordersalso have anxiety and depressive disorders. In today’s world, sleep disorders affect about 32.3 %of the general population, and there are bidirectional relationships between sleep and mentaldisorders. This study aimed to assess sleep disorder symptoms in patients with somatoformdisorders. The study involved examining 120 patients with somatoform disorders and diagnosedsleep disorders. These patients were divided into two groups of 60 individuals each, and theywere found to be similar. The assessment included a clinical history, clinical psychological evaluation, and psychometric scales. The median age of the participants corresponded to the youngage group based on WHO classification. The severity of insomnia was found to be quite high,and significant sleep disturbances were noted. Participants also exhibited mostly moderate levelsand severe depression based on the Beck Depression Inventory, and alexithymia was detectedin the group. The participants showed high levels of situational and personal anxiety accordingto the Spielberger questionnaire.