Previous research between Nepalese and American subjects showed that the Nepalese GAD patients had a greater level of somatic complaints than those in American patients, whereas the American patients had higher levels of psychological symptoms. It was concluded that the experience of the disorder, and different views on the mind-body connection were important in this distinction.
Reconsidering This Difference
As more researchers and clinicians have examined those results, some concerns have been raised. Specifically, that (a) the symptoms of GAD should be explored in comparison with local healthy populations (people in the same region that do not have GAD), (b) many of the somatic complaints in Nepal can be explained by a physical illness such as B12 deficiency or diabetes, (c) the measure used had some difficulty being translated from English into the local language in Nepal, and (d) there is actually a large mind-body distinction in Nepal, that is somewhat different than other Asian cultures.
Conclusion and Additional Thoughts
For people with GAD reading this or for those simply interested in this disorder, the study and complaints highlight a key component of the process of understanding GAD. Specifically, methods of defining and measuring the disorder can become distorted and confusing, and it can be difficult to separate other illnesses and disorders from GAD. It also highlights how culture can have a significant influence on how a mental disorder like GAD can present itself, particularly thought somatic complaints.Source:
Kohrt, Tol, & Harper (2007). Reconsidering somatic presentation of generalized anxiety disorder in Nepal. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 6, 544.
