Abstract

The author studied somatization using 7-symptoms screening test in 12 females, who lived in the Taegu and compared the results with those of 99 males who lived in the Taegu, during the period from the beginning of August 1993 to end of January 1994. The results were follows : The number of females screened for somatization disorder were ten (5.8%). Its rate was higher than males (3.1%). Ten screened women most frequently complained of pain in extremities, painful menstruation, shortness of breath, and amnesia. There was a strong tendency toward higher levels of somatization in the females who were dissatified with their home atmosphere, present well being, and divorced or widowed, lower educated and those who had pessimistic views of self image in the past, present, or future.

• Keywords: Somatization disorder;