FREQUENCY AND RISK FACTORS OF SOMATIC SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS OF DEPRESSION: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY AT PIMS ISLAMABAD

Background: Depressive disorder is a major global health concern and is frequently associated with somatic symptoms that complicate diagnosis and delay treatment. Despite its clinical importance, limited research in Pakistan has explored the socio-demographic correlates of somatic symptoms among patients with depression. Identifying these associations is essential for early recognition and timely intervention, which can reduce morbidity, improve quality of life, and alleviate healthcare costs in resource-limited settings. Objective: To determine the frequency and socio-demographic correlates of somatic symptoms in adults suffering from depression. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, from January to March 2025. A total of 243 patients aged 18–60 years diagnosed with depression based on DSM-5 criteria were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Somatic symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-15 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Quantitative variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative data as frequencies and percentages. Associations between PHQ-15 scores and demographic parameters were analyzed using the chi-square test, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 243 participants, 74 (30.5%) were male and 169 (69.5%) female. The majority (53.9%) were aged 12–25 years, followed by 26–35 years (25.9%). The most frequently reported somatic symptoms were low energy (59.3%) and trouble sleeping (48.1%), while painful sexual intercourse was least reported (3.7%). Based on PHQ-15 scoring, 44.0% had high somatization, 30.0% moderate, 18.5% mild, and 7.4% minimal. Age was significantly associated with somatization severity (p = 0.011), with higher symptom burden observed among older participants. Conclusion: Somatic symptoms were highly prevalent among patients with depression, with fatigue and insomnia being the most troublesome. Advancing age was significantly correlated with greater somatic symptom severity, emphasizing the importance of age-sensitive screening and management in depressive disorders.