Somatoform Disorder is also known as Briquet’s syndrome. The term somatoform has been derived from the Greek word soma meaning body. Individuals with this disorder often visit health care facilities with complaints of physical illness or disabilities that do not have any clinical or pathological basis. Even after all the tests and medical procedures are performed, these individuals are not convinced of being physically sound and continue to complain. The most common symptoms projected by these individuals are pain, dizziness, nausea, headache, stomach upset, blindness, paralysis, backache etc.
Most of these symptoms do not exist but are considered to be a physical representation of a deep rooted psychological issue that needs to be addressed. It must be kept in mind that the individuals suffering from somatoform disorders do not fake the symptoms but actually believe that they are suffering from some physical ailment. A large number of these patients can be seen at medical facilities and private practices of doctors who often face difficulty in tackling with their unending complaints.
The four types of somatoform disorders are:
- Somatization Disorder
- Hypochonrdriasis
- Pain Disorder
- Conversion Disorder
Somatization Disorder: In this disorder, the individuals make several complaints regarding physical ailments over a long time. But when examined, there is no explanation for the findings of any physical illness or injury. This disorder usually begins before the age of 30 years.
Hypochonrdriasis: This is one of the most frequently seen somatoform disorders. It is also known as health phobia and most hypochondriacs have unshakable beliefs that they are ill but no illness can be diagnosed.
Pain Disorder: In this type of somatoform disorder, the individual complains of experiencing pain of high intensity and for a long duration. But no cause of pain or evidence can be found on examination.
Conversion Disorder: In this disorder the symptoms of a specific physical malfunction or loss of control may be manifested but there is no underlying medical evidence for its cause.
All somatoform disorders involve irrational development or elaboration of physical impairment but the treatment methods and approaches tend to differ significantly from individual to individual. Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication or psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy are used to treat this disorder.
