Somatoform Disorder

Somatoform disorder is a condition in which the physical pain and symptoms a person feels are related to psychological factors. These symptoms can't be traced to a specific physical cause. In people who have somatoform disorder, medical test results are either normal or don't explain the person's symptoms. People who have this disorder may have several medical evaluations and tests to be sure that they don't have another illness. They often become very worried about their health because they don't know what's causing their health problems. Their symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other illnesses and may last for several years. People who have somatoform disorder are not faking their symptoms. The pain that they feel is real.

Symptoms of somatoform disorder vary but may include frequent headaches, back pain, abdominal cramping and pelvic pain. Other symptoms include pain in the joints, legs, arms and chest or abdominal pain which may make it difficult to walk. Somatoform disorder may also cause gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and food intolerance. Sometimes somatoform disorder makes it painful for a person to urinate, even if he or she doesn't have an infection. It can cause problems with sexual function for both men and women. Vision and hearing may also be affected.

No one knows exactly why symptoms of somatoform disorder appear. In some cases, there may be a problem with the nerve impulses that send signals of pain, pressure and other unpleasant sensations to the brain. We do know that the pain and problems caused by somatoform disorder are real, they are not imagined.

Like many medical problems, somatoform disorder often runs in families. It tends to come and go over time.

Although there is no known cure for somatoform disorder, it can be managed. Treatment focuses on helping the person who has somatoform disorder to live a normal life as much as possible, even though he or she may still have some pain or other symptoms. Fortunately, somatoform disorder will not shorten a person's life.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe medicine for some of your symptoms, but in many cases you will not need medicine.

Seeing your doctor for regular checkups is the most important part of your treatment. Your doctor will tell you how often he or she needs to see you. You may feel frustrated if your symptoms continue, but remember that somatoform disorder can be very difficult to treat. Your doctor will do his or her best to help you maintain your health.