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Somatization disorder - Overview

Alternative Names

Briquet syndrome

Definition of Somatization disorder:

Somatization disorder is a long-term (chronic) condition in which a person has physical symptoms that are caused by psychological problems, and no physical problem can be found.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The disorder usually begins before the age of 30 and occurs more often in women than in men. The disorder is more common in people with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain.

Physicians often dismiss patients with somatization disorder as having problems that are "all in their head." However, as researchers study the connections between the brain, the digestive system, and the immune system, somatization disorders are becoming better understood. They should not be seen as "faked" conditions.

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

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Briquet's Syndrome. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 90.

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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