Somatoform disorder

SDI Productions / Getty Images What Are Somatoform Disorders? In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision ( DSM-IV-TR), somatoform disorders referred to a group of mental health conditions involving both troubling physical symptoms and a lack of underlying medical evidence for their cause. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ( DSM-5), the category of somatoform disorders was replaced by somatic symptom and related disorders. According to the DSM-5 criteria, someone with somatic symptom disorder may or may not have a medical condition that's causing them symptoms. Still, they have a disproportionate reaction to the symptoms and devote excessive amounts of time and energy to thinking about, worrying about, and monitoring their health. People with somatoform disorders are often concerned about potential stigma, both within the clinical setting and in their everyday lives. Studies suggest that there is an ongoing bias against people with somatoform disorders, which can lead some people with medically unexplained symptoms to internalize stigma and avoid seeking help. • Somatic symptom disorder (SSD): Somatic symptom disorder—previously known as somatization disorder—involves an ongoing preoccupation with physical symptoms. These symptoms (which commonly include pain, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, and/or nausea) may or may not be related to a diagnosed medical c...

The somatoform disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders that cause unexplained physical symptoms. They include somatization disorder (involving multisystem physical symptoms), undifferentiated somatoform disorder (fewer symptoms than somatization disorder), conversion disorder (voluntary motor or sensory function symptoms), pain disorder (pain with strong psychological involvement), hypochondriasis (fear of having a life-threatening illness or condition), body dysmorphic disorder (preoccupation with a real or imagined physical defect), and somatoform disorder not otherwise specified (used when criteria are not clearly met for one of the other somatoform disorders). These disorders should be considered early in the evaluation of patients with unexplained symptoms to prevent unnecessary interventions and testing. Treatment success can be enhanced by discussing the possibility of a somatoform disorder with the patient early in the evaluation process, limiting unnecessary diagnostic and medical treatments, focusing on the management of the disorder rather than its cure, using appropriate medications and psychotherapy for comorbidities, maintaining a psychoeducational and collaborative relationship with patients, and referring patients to mental health professionals when appropriate. The somatoform disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders in which patients present with a myriad of clinically significant but unexplained physical symptoms. They include somatization di...

Educator, Researcher BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester Saul Mcleod, Ph.D., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years experience of working in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology. Learn about our Key Points • Somatization is the expression of mental experiences into physical responses. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an obsession with unexplained physical symptoms, commonly physical pain, which cannot be explained by medical disorders. • SDD affects roughly 7% percent of adults in the US. While SDD is more commonly seen in women, individuals with a preexisting mental health condition or family history of SDD are at increased risk of developing the disorder. • SDD imparts significant distress and challenge to the patient and the physician. Table of Contents • • • • • • • What is Somatic Symptom Disorder? Somatic symptom disorder is a psychological condition characterized by a persistent preoccupation with physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness, or shortness of breath, that causes significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. It is diagnosed when an individual experiences excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their physical symptoms, often leading to frequent doctor visits and medical tests. Somatic symptom disorder is a term introduced in the DSM-5 to replace somatization disorder...

Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical symptoms with no known cause. While these conditions can cause anxiety and stress, treatment is available. Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical sensations and bodily pain caused by What Are Somatoform Disorders? Somatoform disorders are a set of psychological conditions where a person experiences bodily symptoms that cannot be accounted for by a medical or neurological diagnosis. Symptoms can range in severity from mild and infrequent to chronic and severe and are out of the individual’s conscious control. Somatoform disorders are characterized by excessive focus on physical ailments, such as pain or tiredness. These physical symptoms cause an individual extreme mental distress and significant impairment in everyday functioning. A person with a somatoform disorder will constantly obsess over their symptoms while frantically searching for a plausible explanation for them. Types of Somatoform Disorders Different somatoform disorders are distinguished by thoughts, emotions and actions related to somatic symptoms. There are seven types of somatoform disorders where individuals present with a multitude of clinically significant symptoms that cannot be explained, including: • Somatization disorder • Conversion disorder • Pain disorder • Hypochondriasis • Other specified somatic symptom and related disorder • Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder Somatization Disorder Somatization disorder occurs when a...

Overview What is somatic symptom disorder? Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a mental health condition in which a person feels significantly distressed about physical symptoms and has abnormal thoughts, feelings and behaviors in response to them. The disorder disrupts their daily functioning and quality of life. Although a person with somatic symptom disorder reports symptoms, the symptoms may have no medical explanation or be normal body sensations or discomfort. Even when there’s a medical cause, the person’s worry is out of proportion to the symptom. People with somatic symptom disorder are often unaware of their underlying mental health condition and believe that they have serious physical ailments. The distress often causes them to visit multiple healthcare providers and to have many medical tests and unnecessary procedures. What’s the difference between somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder? What’s the difference between conversion disorder and somatic symptom disorder? While people with conversion disorder frequently experience depression or anxiety, excessive worrying and distress about the physical symptoms aren’t part of the diagnosis for conversion disorder. In contrast, excessive concern about physical symptoms is the main part of the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder. Who does somatic symptom disorder affect? Somatic symptom disorder can occur in children, adolescents and adults, and it usually begins by age 30. People assigned female at bi...

Diagnosis To determine a diagnosis, you'll likely have a physical exam and any tests your doctor recommends. Your doctor or other health care provider can help determine if you have any health conditions that need treatment. Your medical care provider may also refer you to a mental health professional, who may: • Conduct a psychological evaluation to talk about your symptoms, fears or concerns, stressful situations, relationship problems, situations you may be avoiding, and family history • Have you fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire • Ask you about alcohol, drug or other substance use Criteria for diagnosis The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, emphasizes these points in the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder: • You have one or more somatic symptoms — for example, pain or fatigue — that are distressing or cause problems in your daily life • You have excessive and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of your symptoms, you have a persistently high level of anxiety about your health or symptoms, or you devote too much time and energy to your symptoms or health concerns • You continue to have symptoms that concern you, typically for more than six months, even though the symptoms may vary Treatment The goal of treatment is to improve your symptoms and your ability to function in daily life. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can be helpful for somatic symptom di...

What are Somatoform Disorders? Somatoform disorders are characterized by an extreme focus on physical symptoms such as pain or fatigue. 1 Symptoms are sensations or feelings that may or may not have a physical cause identified. Somatoform symptoms cause significant emotional distress and issues functioning. You may or may not have another medical problem linked to these symptoms. Those with a somatoform disorder often think the worst about their symptoms. They may seek medical care frequently. Or, they may look for an explanation even when other serious conditions have been discounted. Health worries may become such a central focus of a person’s life that it’s hard for them to function. This can develop into a disability. You may go through significant emotional and physical distress if you have somatoform disorder. Sponsored Online Therapy Can Help Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are: • Professional and effective • Affordable and convenient • Personalized and discreet • Easy to start Answer a few questions to get started Symptoms of Somatoform Disorder (Somatic Symptom disorder) Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder include: 1 • Certain sensations such as pain or shortness of breath • General symptoms such as fatigue or weakness Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder include: • Unrelated to any medical cause that can be diagnosed • Single, multiple, or varying • Mild, moderate, or severe Pain is the most common symptom of the condition. Whatever the symp...