Quick Guide
Somatoform Disorders
Overview of Somatoform Disorders
When somatic symptoms are a prominent reason for evaluation by a therapist, the diagnosis will be one of the disorders (or categories) listed below.
Somatization Disorder. Multiple, unexplained symptoms (including pain and mood
symptoms) characterize this chronic disorder, found almost exclusively in women.
Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder. This is a residual category for clients who don't
meet criteria for any other Somatoform disorder. It is most often useful for clients who
nearly, but not quite, meet criteria for Somatization Disorder.
Conversion Disorder. These clients complain of isolated symptoms that seem to have no
physical cause.
Pain Disorder. The pain in question has no apparent physical or physiological basis, or it
far exceeds the usual expectations, given the client's actual physical condition.
Hypochondriasis. An otherwise healthy client who has the unfounded fear of a serious,
often life-threatening illness such as cancer or heart disease may warrant this diagnosis.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder. In this rare disorder, physical normal clients believe that
parts of their bodies are misshapen or ugly.
Somatoform Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. This is a catchall category for clients whose somatoform symptoms fail to meet criteria for any of the other disorders, including Undifferentiated.
Other Causes of Somatic Complaints
General Medical Condition. As an example, a client who complains of abdominal pain
may be evaluated for appendicitis, gastric ulcer, or gallstones, depending on the exact
nature of the pain. If no physical cause for the pain in found, Somatization Disorder or
Pain Disorder may be diagnosed.
Mood Disorder. Pain with no apparent physical cause is characteristic of some clients with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar I Disorder, Most Recent Episode Depressed. Because they are treatable and potentially life-threatening, these possibilities must be investigated early.
Substance Use. Clients who use substances may complain of pain or other physical
symptoms. These may result for the effects of Substance Intoxication or Withdrawal, or
they may represent an effort to obtain the substance of choice.
Factitious Disorder. Clients who want to occupy the sick role (perhaps they enjoy the
attention of being in a hospital) consciously fabricate symptoms to attract attention from
health care professionals.
Malingering. These clients also fabricate somatic or psychological symptoms, but the motive is some form of material gain: avoiding punishment or work, or obtaining money or drugs.
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