Mental Illness

The term somatoform derives from the Greek soma for body, and the somatoform disorders are broad group of illnesses that have bodily signs and symptoms as a major component. These disorders encompass mind-body interactions in which the brain sends various signals that impinge on patient’s awareness, indicating a serious problem in body.

Somatization Disorder
It is characterized by the following clinical features.
1.Multiple somatic symptoms in the absence of any physical disorder.
2.The symptoms are recurrent and chronic at least of 2 years duration is needed for diagnosis.
3.The symptoms are vague presented in a dramatic manner and involve multiple organs system.
4.There is frequent change of treating physician.
5.Persistent refusal to accept the advice or reassurance of several doctors that there is no physical explanation for the symptoms.
6.Some degree of impairment of social and family functioning attributable to the nature of symptoms and resulting behavior.
7.Presence of conversion symptom is common.
This disorder is usually begins in second and third decade of life and is much more common in females. Histrionic personality traits or disorder may be present, premorbidly.