Biomedical subjects

Bernd Kappis

Publications and source records attributed to Bernd Kappis.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

[Symptom Checklist SCL-27].

The Symptom-Checklist-27 (SCL-27) forms a modification of the widely used Symptom-Checklist-90-R, with the latter demonstrating considerable shortcomings in psychometric properties. The SCL-27 is designed to screen for psychiatric symptoms in patients presenting somatic complaints. It contains the six subscales depressive, dysthymic, vegetative, agoraphobic, sociophobic symptoms and symptoms of mistrust. Additionally, a global severity index (GSI-27), similar to the GSI in the SCL-90-R is available. The subscales are short, the number of items varies between four and six. Psychometric properties and reference values based on a representative German sample of more than 2000 subjects are presented for the various subscales. All subscales show sufficient internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha > or = 0.70 and for the GSI-27 alpha is = 0.93. The correlation between GSI-27 and GSI is r = 0.93. Sex-specific cut-offs are presented to identify those patients, who need further examination.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Determinants of health-related quality of life in patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been investigated widely in patients with chronic pain, but no study has focused particularly on the situation of patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder. AIMS: To survey the impairments of patients with somatoform pain disorder (ICD-10: F45.4) and to predict pain-related impairments and HRQOL on the basis of coping styles. METHODS: A consecutively recruited sample of 100 patients (65% female) was examined in a cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were administered to assess pain intensity (visual analogue scale), pain-related disabilities (Pain Disability Index), quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey-36), and ways of coping with pain (Coping Strategies Questionnaire). To predict pain-related impairments and HRQOL, a multiple linear regression analysis was carried out. RESULTS: HRQOL of patients with somatoform pain is strongly and significantly reduced compared with the general population. Among the coping measures, Increasing Pain Behaviors and Catastrophizing have a negative influence on patients' pain-related impairments and the physical components of HRQOL. The mental component of HRQOL was predicted solely by Catastrophizing. No positive effect of active coping styles on health-related outcome variables could be observed. CONCLUSION: Patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder feel severely impaired. A clear pattern emerges for negative effects of the coping styles Increasing Pain Behaviors and Catastrophizing, while the identification of beneficial coping failed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2002

[Long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences - Actual evidence and needs for research1/2].

There is evidence from some prospective and several retrospective studies that early biological and psychosocial stress in childhood is associated with long-term vulnerability to various mental and physical diseases. In the last few years research findings have accumulated on those emotional, behavioural and psychobiological factors which are responsible for the mediation of these lifelong consequences. They are the cause of an increased risk of somatization and other mental disorders. Particularly anxiety, depression and personality disorders often result in high-risk behaviour that itself is associated with physical disease (cardiovascular disorders, stroke, viral hepatitis, type 2 diabetes, chronic lung diseases) as well as with aggressive behaviour. A survey on the current knowledge of how these various factors interact is presented and a bio-psychopathological model of vulnerability is educed. Implications for future research are outlined and contrasted to actual political trends in Germany.

Adolescent↗