Somatoform disorders - The big and unknown land between psychology and medicine

Journal/Book: Z Klin Psychol-Forsch Praxis. 1996; 25: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe-Verlag GmbH & Co. 173-189.

Abstract: Physical symptoms not fully explained by a general medical condition are one of the most: common complaints in the general health care system. While psychological variables are concerned to be important etiological factors, however, we have only few studies in clinical psychology about somatoform disorders. The present paper overviews diagnostic and classification routines. The prototype of somatoform disorders, the somatization disorder, is defined very restrictively. Therefore we propose a new class, the ''multiple somatoform syndrome'' (abridged somatization syndrom). Possible etiological factors for somatoform symptoms are genetic and sociodemographic variables (family members with alcoholism and sociopathia), somatosensory amplification, traumatic events, less distracting environment, and further learning processes. Allthough the empirical basis for treatment is small, we propose some intervention strategies which seem to be helpfull. These intervention strategies are outlined.

Note: Review W Rief, Med Psychosomat Klin Roseneck, Roseneck 6, D-83209 Prien Am Chiemsee, Germany

Keyword(s): somatoform disorders; somatization disorder; multiple somatoform syndrome; hypochondriasis; behaviour medicine; BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER; PERSISTENT SOMATIZING PATIENTS; III-R HYPOCHONDRIASIS; SOMATIZATION DISORDER; FOLLOW-UP; IMAGINED UGLINESS; PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS; ILLNESS BEHAVIOR; CHRONIC PAIN; HEALTH

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