Somatoform Disorders

Somatoform disorders are physical symptoms for which there are no demonstrable organic findings or known physiological mechanisms. Diagnosis must be medically documented by evidence of one of the following:

• A history of multiple physical symptoms of several years duration, beginning before age 30, that have caused the individual to take medicine frequently, see a physician often and alter life patterns significantly.
• Persistent non-organic disturbance of one of the following:
  • Vision
  • Speech
  • Hearing
  • Use of a limb movement and its control
  • Sensation

• Unrealistic interpretation of physical signs or sensations associated with the preoccupation or belief that one has a serious disease or injury.