Somatoform Disorder is characterized by physical symptoms that have no underlying physical cause and a persistent request for medical treatment and investigations despite reassurance from doctors. There are several types including somatization disorder marked by chronic multiple somatic symptoms across organ systems, hypochondriasis defined as a persistent fear of illness despite reassurance, somatoform autonomic dysfunction causing symptoms like palpitations under autonomic control, and persistent somatoform pain disorder involving severe pain without physical basis impairing social or occupational functioning. Treatment involves drug therapy with antidepressants and benzodiazepines as well as psychological treatments like supportive psychotherapy and relaxation therapy.

1. Somatoform Disorder
Maxim T. Barikder
Lecturer, BANC

2. Somatoform Disorder
• It characterized by repeated presentation with
physical symptoms which do not have any
physical basis, and a persistent request for
investigations and treatment despite repeated
assurance by the treating doctors.

3. Types of Somatoform Disorder
Somatization disorder
Hypochondriasis
Somatoform autonomic dysfunction
Persistent somatoform pain disorder

4. Somatization Disorder
• Somatization disorder is characterized by
chronic multiple somatic symptoms in the
absence of physical disorder. The symptoms
are vague, presented in a dramatic manner
and involve multiple organ systems.

5. Hypochondrias
• Hypochondriasis is defined as a persistent
preoccupation with a fear or belief of having a
serious disease despite repeated medical
reassurance.

6. Somatoform Autonomic Dysfunction
• In this disorder, the symptoms are
predominantly under autonomic control, as if
they were due to a physical disorder. Some of
them include palpitation hyperventilation,
irritable bowel, dysuria, etc.

7. Persistent Somatoform Pain Disorder
• The main feature in this disorder is severe,
persistent pain without any physical basis.
• It may be of sufficient severity so as to cause
social or occupational impairment.

8. Treatment
• Drug therapy
• Antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Psychological treatment.
• Supportive psychotherapy
• Relaxation therapy