A cluster within the continuum of biopsychosocial distress can be labeled " XXXX "--evidence from a representative German population survey.

@entity1 @entity308 @entity239 @entity458 @entity158
OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that " @entity239 " is a biopsychosocial continuum disorder. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the German general population with @entity1 >or= 14 years of age was conducted based on face-to-face contacts. Physical distress was measured by the regional @entity158 scale (RPS) and the @entity1 Health Questionnaire 15 (PHQ-15), @entity458 by the PHQ-9, and social distress by the Oslo Social Support Scale. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured by the 12-item form of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form Health Survey. A k-means clustering procedure with 2-8 clusters preset was used to classify the scores of the RPS, PHQ-9, and PHQ-15. The number of clusters retained was based on the stability and interpretability of the clusters. The cluster analysis was first performed with a randomly selected half of the sample and then cross-validated on the second half of the total sample. RESULTS: A 4-cluster solution produced the most stable and meaningful results. Cluster 1 was very low on all symptom scores. Cluster 2 was low on @entity158 sites, somatic symptoms, and @entity308 . Cluster 3 was high on @entity158 scores, moderate on somatic symptoms, and low on @entity308 . Cluster 4 was high on all symptom scores. The centroids of cluster 4 met the survey criteria of @entity239 . Cluster 4 reported a lower HRQOL and less social support compared to the other 3 groups. CONCLUSION: A cluster within the continuum of biopsychosocial distress can be labeled @entity239 .
