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Somatoform pain disorder - Overview

Alternative Names

Pain disorder

Definition of Somatoform pain disorder:

Somatoform pain disorder is persistent and long-term (chronic) pain due to psychological factors.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek medical attention. In somatoform pain disorder, the pain is so severe that it impairs a person's ability to function.

The pain in this condition is thought to be related to psychological factors, such as stress. People with this illness may have other medical problems, but these do not fully explain the pain.

There is a stigma about psychological pain by medical professionals and the general public. Some people do not fully understand the connection between mind and body. They mistakenly believe that psychological pain isn't "real" and should be able to be controlled without medical or mental health treatment.

Reviewed last on: 8/24/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

DeGruy FV. The somatic patient. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 61.

Purcell TB. Somatoform disorders. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2006: chap 111.

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