SOMATOFOR

M
DISORDERS
SOMATOFORM DISORDERS are
group of psychiatric disorders that
are characterized by bodily or
physical symptoms suggestive of a
physical disorder but for which
there are no explainable organic or
physiological causes.
- Yeung (2002)
● Somatization Disorder

● Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder

● Conversion Disorder
SOMATOFOR
● Pain Disorder
M DISORDERS
● Hypochondriasis

● Body Dysmorphic Disorder

● Somatoform Disorder not other-wise specified

 SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS
• Specific sensations, such as pain or shortness of
breath, or more general symptoms such as fatigue
weakness.
• Constant worry about potential illness.
• View normal physical sensations as a sign of
severe physical illness, and are threatening or
harmful.
• Isn’t contented with one medical evaluation and
are always going back to a health care facility.
The goal is to improve the symptoms and the ability to
function in daily life. Psychotherapy, also called as talk
therapy, can be helpful for somatic symptom disorder.
Sometimes, medications may be added, especially if the TREATMENT OR
person is struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety,
or stress.
INTERVENTION
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – is a form of
psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to
be effective for a range of problem including depression,
anxiety disorders, drug and alcohol use problems, eating
disorder, and severe mental illness.
A 24-year-old man presented to the mental health clinic with depression
and the persistent fear that he had cancer or another mortal illness. Since
the age of 12, when he learned of the sudden death of a cousin, he had
suffered from constant worries about his health. His parents had responded
to his fear by taking him on frequent visits to a pediatrician where his
hyperventilation was misdiagnose at first as asthma. He viewed himself as
vulnerable to illness and was preoccupied with symptoms of weakness,
malaise, and a chronically stuffy nose for which he had become dependent
on decongestant spray. He described sporadic panic attacks, usually
triggered by events that should have made him angry. During these attacks
he feared that he would lose his mind or die or a heart attack. Afterward,
he was left feeling still more worried that he had a physical illness.
 OUR INSIGHTS:
Since Somatoform disorder is very
complicated due to its unusual nature, we
might get one wrong move if we are not
careful enough. The signs and symptoms
should be dealth with – with outmost
objectivity and should be critical enough in
analyzing. We believe that somatoform
disorder is really serious and shouldn’t be
taken lightly as the casualty does not only
account the physical body, but the whole well-
being and mental state.
Knowing the background of the Somatoform
Disorders, do one think that curing somatoform
disorders can come easily? Why, or why not.

How would you react as a psychology student

when you see a person who behaves and acts like
he or she has the symptoms of somatoform
disorder? Why?