Somatoform Disorders

Somatoform Disorders are those conditions that are suggestive of a physical disorder but upon examination cannot be accounted for by a medical disorder, a substance or other mental disorder.

These disorders are usually presented in general medical settings as the patients presume them to be of somatic origin.

To warrant the diagnosis of Somatoform Disorder the symptoms must cause significant impairment or distress.

• Somatization Disorder was formerly called hysteria. Primarily affecting women, it generally has its onset in adolescence or early adulthood and lasts for years. Its symptoms usually include a combination of pain, pseudoneurological, digestive and sexual complaints.

• Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder is a milder form of Somatization Disorder lasting at least six months.

• Conversion Disorder is characterized by unexplained sensory motor deficits which are judged to be psychogenic.

• Pain Disorder is diagnosed when the primary symptom is pain and psychological factors are presumed to be important in the etiology, maintenance or exacerbation of the condition.

• Hypochondriasis is the fear illness in the absence thereof or exaggeration of symptoms or bodily sensations into serious illness.

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder refers to a preoccupation with a presumed or exaggerated physical defect.

 

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