Somatoform disorder

Somatoform Disorder

Somatoform disorder (/səˈmætoʊfɔːrm dɪsˈɔːrdər/), also known as bodily distress disorder, is a category of mental disorder characterized by physical symptoms that mimic physical disease or injury for which there is no identifiable physical cause.

Etymology

The term "somatoform" is derived from the Greek word "soma" meaning "body" and the Latin "forma" meaning "shape" or "form". It refers to the manifestation of mental disorders as physical symptoms.

Definition

Somatoform disorders are mental illnesses that cause bodily symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and nervousness that do not have a physical source. The symptoms are real and cause significant distress or problems functioning, but they are not due to any underlying physical disease or injury.

Types of Somatoform Disorders

There are several types of somatoform disorders, including:

• Somatization disorder: This is characterized by a variety of physical symptoms over a long period, often years.
• Conversion disorder: This involves symptoms that affect the ability to control voluntary movements or senses, such as walking or hearing.
• Pain disorder: This is characterized by pain that is the main focus of the disorder and is thought to be caused by psychological stress or trauma.
• Hypochondriasis: This is characterized by an excessive fear or belief that one has a serious disease, based on the misinterpretation of bodily symptoms.
• Body dysmorphic disorder: This involves a preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of somatoform disorders involves ruling out physical causes for the symptoms, a thorough mental health evaluation, and whether the symptoms cause significant distress or problems functioning.

Treatment

Treatment for somatoform disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.

Related Terms

• Psychosomatic
• Dissociative disorder
• Anxiety disorder
• Mental health

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Somatoform disorder
• Wikipedia's article - Somatoform disorder

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