Somatization Disorder

Abstract

Somatization disorder is difficult to recognize. It is associated with the presence of multiple physical symptoms, but usually there is no obvious physical or psychological disorder present. However, there are certain psychological factors in the patient profile that are important to the development of somatic disorders and that are not attributable to any apparent organic condition (Knapp, 1985). The confusion resulting from an attempt to separate physical and psychological factors in the etiology of the disorder is a common problem for many practitioners when making their preliminary assessment. In fact, the lack of a clear relationship between the physical and psychological domains may be one of the early warning signs that a somatization disorder may be present. Many times referrals are from family practitioners looking for a psychological basis for what the patient has been presenting as a physical problem. The physician may see the patient as difficult, a frequent consulter, and/or a chronic complainer (Rasmussen and Avant, 1989; Robinson and Granfield, 1986; Rittlemeyer, 1985).