Somatization Disorder

DEFINITION:
Somatization disorder is a long-term (chronic) condition in which a person has physical symptoms
that involve more than one part of the body, but no physical cause can be found. The pain and other
symptoms people with this disorder feel are real, and are not created or faked on purpose
(malingering).

SYMPTOMS:
 The primary symptoms of somatization disorder is multiple complaints of physical ailments over
a long period of time, beginning before the age of 30.
 The symptoms of physical disorder are believed to be real, and the individual is convinced of its
existence and worried about it. There may also be dramatic reactions to this strongly held
belief, such as submission to unnecessary surgery, threats of suicide, or seeking release in
substance abuse.
 People with this disorder have many physical complaints that last for years. Most often, the
complaints involve chronic pain and problems with the digestive system, nervous system, and
reproductive system.
 The symptoms often interfere with work and relationships, and lead to many visits to different
health care providers.
 Stress often worsens the symptoms.

ETIOLOGY:
Although a direct cause of somatization disorder has not been discovered, there is evidence of
genetic and environmental components; that us there tends to be inherited vulnerability and a
tendency to model the sick role from family members. It is likely the attention and sympathy received
in response to illness maintains the symptoms.

TREATMENT:
Somatization Disorder is difficult to treat. Interventions typically consist of two prongs:
counseling focusing on developing healthy ways of relating to others; and cognitive-behavioral therapy
to manage stress, provide reassurance, and modify help-seeking behavior.