Introduction

Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical symptoms suggesting a medical condition, yet the symptoms are not fully explained a medical condition, by substance abuse or another mental disorder.


The symptoms are severe enough to cause significant distress or impairment in functioning. The physical symptoms are not intentionally produced as in malingering or factitious disorders. The onset, severity and duration of symptoms are strongly linked to psychological factors.

Three common types of somatoform disorders are discussed in this chapter:

• Conversion disorder
• Hypochondriasis
• Pain disorder