Somatization Disorder
, CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Somatoform disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders, in which patients
present with a large number of unexplained physical symptoms. These disorders
include somatization disorder, hypochondriasis, conversion disorder and other
unspecified somatoform disorders. These disturbances cause emotional distress to the
patient and are a challenge for the family doctor.1
There are three clinical criteria required to meet a somatoform disorder: (1)
clinical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition, other mental
disorder, or the effects of a substance; (2) not caused by a factitious disorder or
malingering disorder; (3) and causes significant impairment in social, occupational
and other functions. In patients with somatization disorder, unexplained physical
symptoms begin before age 30 and persist for several years and include at least two
gastrointestinal complaints, four painful symptoms, one pseudoneurologic symptom,
and one sexual symptom.1
This reference is made to increase knowledge regarding the definition, causes,
prevalence, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and management of somatization
disorder.
2
, CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Somatoform disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders, in which patients
present with a large number of unexplained physical symptoms. These disorders
include somatization disorder, hypochondriasis, conversion disorder and other
unspecified somatoform disorders. These disturbances cause emotional distress to the
patient and are a challenge for the family doctor.1
There are three clinical criteria required to meet a somatoform disorder: (1)
clinical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition, other mental
disorder, or the effects of a substance; (2) not caused by a factitious disorder or
malingering disorder; (3) and causes significant impairment in social, occupational
and other functions. In patients with somatization disorder, unexplained physical
symptoms begin before age 30 and persist for several years and include at least two
gastrointestinal complaints, four painful symptoms, one pseudoneurologic symptom,
and one sexual symptom.1
This reference is made to increase knowledge regarding the definition, causes,
prevalence, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and management of somatization
disorder.
2
