Somatization disorder

Overview
Somatization disorder (also Briquet's disorder or, in antiquity, hysteria) is a psychiatric diagnosis applied to patients who chronically and persistently complain of varied physical symptoms that have no identifiable physical origin. One common general etiological explanation is that internal psychological conflicts are unconsciously expressed as physical signs.

Criteria
Somatization disorder is a somatoform disorder. The DSM-IV establishes the following five criteria for the diagnosis of this disorder:
 * a history of somatic symptoms prior to the age of 30
 * pain in at least four different sites on the body
 * two gastrointestinal problems other than pain such as vomiting or diarrhea
 * one sexual symptom such as lack of interest or erectile dysfunction
 * one pseudoneurological symptom similar to those seen in Conversion disorder such as fainting or   blindness.

Such symptoms cannot be related to any medical condition. The symptoms do not all have to be occurring at the same time, but may occur over the course of the disorder. If a medical condition is present, then the symptoms must be excessive enough to warrant a separate diagnosis. Two symptoms can not be counted for the same thing e.g.if pain during intercourse is counted as a sexual symptom it can not be counted as a pain symptom. Finally, the symptoms cannot be being feigned out of an effort to gain attention or anything else by being sick, and they can not be deliberately induced symptoms.

Prevalence
Somatization disorder is not common in the general population. It is thought to occur in 0.2% to 2% of females,   and, according to the DSM-IV, 0.2% of males. There is usually co-morbidity with other psychological disorders, particularly mood or anxiety disorders. This condition is chronic and has a poor prognosis.

Treatment
No one treatment has been found to cure somatization disorder. However, setting up a physician that screens complaints from patients before they are allowed to see a specialist significantly cuts down on cost of the disorder. Antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown to help treat the disorder.

Collaboration between a psychiatrist and primary care physician may help.