When multiple recurrent signs and symptoms of several years' duration suggest that physical disorders exist without a verifiable disease or pathopsycholocigal condition to account for them, somatization disorder is present.
Typically, an individual affected with somatization disorder undergoes repeated medical examinations and diagnostic testing that—unlike the symptoms themselves—can be potentially dangerous or debilitating. However, unlike the hypochondriac, she's not preoccupied with the belief that she has a specific disease.
Somatization disorder usually is chronic, and worsens during times of stress. The patient's signs and symptoms are involuntary, and she consciously wants to be better. Nonetheless, she's seldom entirely symptom-free.
Signs and symptoms usually begin in adolescence, rarely in the twenties. This disorder primarily affects women, it's seldom diagnosed in men.
CAUSES
Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of somatization disorder.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Common physical complaints include:
- GI discomfort (abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea)
- female reproductive difficulties (painful menstruation) or male reproductive difficulties (erectile dysfunction)
- Psychosexual problems (sexual indifference)
- chronic pain (such as back pain)
- Cardiopulmonary symptoms (chest pain, dizziness, palpitations).
TREATMENT
The goal of treatment is to help the patient to live with the signs and symptoms. After diagnostic evaluation has rules out organic causes, affected individuals should realize that they have no serious illnesses currently but will receive care for the genuine distress and ongoing medical attention for their symptoms.
The patient with somatization disorder seldom acknowledges any psychological aspect of her illness and rejects psychiatric treatment.