Influence of long term stress exposure on somatisation symptoms outcome

Sabaheta Hasić; Emina Kiseljaković; Radivoj Jadrić; Belma Zečević; Nešina Avdagić; Emina Nakaš-Ićindić; Jovan Radovanović; Mira Winterhalter-Jadrić

doi:10.17305/bjbms.2004.3356

Authors

Sabaheta Hasić Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Emina Kiseljaković Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Radivoj Jadrić Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Belma Zečević Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Nešina Avdagić Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Emina Nakaš-Ićindić Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Jovan Radovanović Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo
Mira Winterhalter-Jadrić Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2004.3356

Keywords:

somatisation, stress

Abstract

Long term stress exposure results in somatisation symptoms appearance. Cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and muscle-bone symptoms arise because of intensified activity of autonomic nervous system caused by chronic stress. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between long term war stress exposure and appearance of somatisation. 40 students of health-care faculties in Sarajevo, of both sexes, were included in investigation and divided in two groups-somatisation and control. Somatisation group subjects (N=20) lived in B&H under war conditions, from 1992-1995. Control subjects (N=20) spent the same period outside B&H. For evaluation of somatisation symptoms we used SCL-90-R test. The obtained data were statistically evaluated using Student’s t-test and χ2 test. Confidence level was set at ρ < 0,05. Our results showed statistically significant difference in somatisation level between somatisation and control subjects group. Different intensity of appearance of certain symptoms in male and female was established. The score of somatisation dimension between somatisation and control group showed statistically significant level (p < 0,0001). Study results confirmed correlation of chronic stress exposure (living in war environment) and somatisation symptom appearance. Individual organic systems had various level of symptom expression. The influence of sex on intensity of individual symptoms of somatisation is possible.