Somatoform disorder may also cause gastrointestinal problems. Depression and stress are thought to be other possible causes of somatoform disorder. Others caused is many medical problems, somatoform disorder often runs in families. Symptoms of somatoform disorder may include frequent headaches, back pain, abdominal cramping and pelvic pain. Other symptoms include pain in the joints, legs and arms, and chest or abdominal pain. There is a somatoform disorder, however, referred to as undifferentiated somatoform disorder in which the patient may have concurrent conversion, hypochondrical and somatoform pain symptoms. A long-term relationship with a trusted primary care practitioner (PCP) is a safeguard against unnecessary treatments as well as a comfort to the patient. Many PCPs prefer to schedule brief appointments on a regular basis with the patient and keep referrals to specialists to a minimum. Patients with somatoform disorders are not considered good candidates for psychoanalysis and other forms of insight-oriented psychotherapy. Hypnosis is a technique that is sometimes used as part of a general psychotherapeutic approach to conversion disorder
Causes of Somatoform Disorder
Common Causes and Risk factors of Somatoform Disorder
Depression.
Stress.
Social and/or occupational functioning.
Genetic factors.
Biological factors.
Cultural influences.
Signs and Symptoms of Somatoform Disorder
Common Sign and Symptoms of Somatoform Disorder
Pain.
Fatigue .
Appetite loss.
Gastrointestinal problems.
Hallucinations.
Disorganized speech.
Treatment of Somatoform Disorder
Common Treatment of Somatoform Disorder
Patients with somatoform disorders are sometimes given antianxiety drugs or antidepressant drugs
Body dysmorphic disorder as been successfully treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants.
Some patients with pain disorder benefit from group therapy or support groups, particularly if their social network has been limited by their pain symptoms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used sometimes to treat pain disorder.
Family therapy is usually recommended for children or adolescents with somatoform disorders.
Hypnosis is a technique that is sometimes used as part of a general psychotherapeutic approach to conversion disorder.
Juliet Cohen writes articles on
diseases and conditions and
skin disorders.
