A Guide to Somatization Disorder

A somatization disorder is characterized by several symptoms that have no physical cause, but are associated with psychological or stress issues. According to the Introduction to Psychology, Sixth Edition, the symptoms can range from pain, to neurological and sexual distresses. The American Psychiatric Association groups these particular disorders with other somatoform disorders like conversion and mass hysteria.

The DSM-IV criteria for a positive diagnosis of somatization disorder involves an onset of symptoms before age 30, pain in at least four sites on the body, at least two gastrointestinal symptoms, other than pain, and one pseudo-neurological symptom like fainting. The general psychiatric consensus is the internal psychological conflicts unconsciously manifest as physical symptoms. This disorder is also called Briquet's disorder.

While there is no physical cause, a patient with Briquet's disorder may experience vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea similar to those symptoms associated with abdominal illnesses. A patient can also experience pain in the legs or arms, shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, or other symptoms that are synonymous with a heart attack. Sexual apathy, pain during intercourse, and impotence are some of the common sexual indicators of somatization disorder. In addition, the physical manifestations may present as changes in vision, amnesia, paralysis, back or joint pain, and irregular or painful menstruation.

These symptoms usually lead the patient to seek medical attention. All possible physical causes should be examined and ruled out before the positive diagnosis of somatization disorders are diagnosed. The prognosis for Briquet's disorder, and this chronic condition may lead to complications from invasive testing to determine a physical cause, drug dependence, depression, anxiety, and decreased performance at work.

Treatment for somatization disorders is aimed at helping the patient to control his or her symptoms. If there is a mood or anxiety disorder, or symptoms of depression present in the patient, anti-depressant medications may be prescribed. This psycho-pharmacological treatment can sometimes alleviate some of the physical conditions caused by Briquet's disorder. Unfortunately, most medications like Prozac and Zoloft are useful only in treatment of the secondary psychiatric problems associated with this disorder.

Psychotherapy, and especially Cognitive Affective Behavior therapy, may be a valuable tool in treating this somatoform disorder. Patients suffering form somatization may have difficulty with the stigma attached to mental illness, especially if they have been dismissed by a doctor. This type of patient should never be told that their illness exists only in his/her imagination. Usually, pattens diagnosed with Briquet's disorder will reject the psychiatric treatment.

In the best case scenario, the most effective treatment is a combination of conventional medication and psychotherapy. It is extremely important for the Medical Doctor and the Psychotherapist to realize that while the patient has to physical ailment responsible for the symptoms, there is very real pain and discomfort present. While the physician monitors, treats, and medicates the patients physical health and symptoms, the mental health professional is left free to address the underlying psychological problems.