Correlation between somatic sensation inventory scores and hyperarousal scale scores

Somatization mechanisms are poorly understood. The authors tested whether s omatization might involve altered central nervous system information proces sing. They measured somatization using the Somatization Sensation Inventory (SSI) and information processing style using the Hyperarousal Scale scores of which correlate with electroencephalogram(EEG) measures of cortical ele ctrical responsiveness. SSI scores correlated highly with Hyperarousal scor es. On logistic regression, two SSI items and two Hyperarousal items accoun ted for most of this correlation. These specific hyperarousal items had pre viously been found to covary with EEG activity and cortical evoked potentia l amplitudes. The authors concluded that somatization may involve altered C NS processing of somatic stimuli.