Overview of somatization-diagnosis and management

Abstract

Background: Neurologists and general practitioners frequently encounter patients with inexplicable, unintentionally produced somatic complaints otherwise known as somatoform disorders.

Methods: A literature search was performed including MEDLINE, as well as local and intemrnational journals using the following keywords/ phrases and crossreferencing: somatoform disorder, somatization, medically unexplained physical symptoms.

Results: Illness with excessive somatic preoccupation is difficult to diagnose or categorize reliably due to rigid diagnostic criteria that often overlap with several psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion: Management of patients with dysfunctional somatoform disorders is complex and challenging, particularly when initiated in a neurology outpatient or inpatient setting. The acronym CARE-MD represents a comprehensive treatment regimen that can be used to decrease physician and patient frustration, dramatically minimise health care over utilization, and improve overall well-being for patients with somatoform disorders.