Somatoform disorders (now often referred to as somatic symptom disorder) are conditions in which physical symptoms are prominent, yet no sufficient organic cause can be identified despite careful medical evaluation.
The symptoms are real and associated with significant distress. A characteristic feature is the intense cognitive and emotional preoccupation with the symptoms, which can markedly impair daily life.
It is important to emphasize that the symptoms are not “imagined,” but rather an expression of a complex interaction between body and mind.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be diverse and affect different organ systems:
Common physical symptoms:
Chronic pain (e.g., back, head, joints)
Gastrointestinal complaints
Cardiac or respiratory symptoms
Dizziness
Fatigue and exhaustion
Associated psychological aspects:
Excessive concern about one’s health
Frequent medical consultations
Catastrophic thinking
Heightened body awareness
Symptoms usually persist over longer periods and lead to significant distress.
Types
Somatic symptom disorder
Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptoms)
Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
Persistent somatoform pain disorder
A differentiated diagnosis is important to reliably exclude organic diseases and initiate appropriate treatment.
Causes
The development is multifactorial:
Stress and emotional strain
Early distressing relationship experiences
Increased sensitivity to bodily sensations
Learned patterns in dealing with illness
Psychosocial conflicts
Physical and psychological processes influence each other reciprocally.