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For characteristic findings in patients with this condition, see Diagnosing somatization disorder, page 473.
Diagnostic tests rule out physical disorders that cause vague and confusing symptoms, such as hyperparathyroidism, porphyria, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition, multiple physical signs and symptoms that appear for the first time late in life are usually due to physical disease rather than somatization disorder.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
❑ Anxiety
❑ Depression
❑ Hypothyroidism
❑ Premenstrual syndrome
❑ Hypochondriasis
❑ Somatization disorder
❑ Chronic fatigue syndrome
❑ Fibromyalgia
❑ Panic disorder
❑ Malingering
❑ Conversion reaction
This presentation is marked by multiple vague complaints, symptoms out of proportion to the physical findings, symptoms outside the anticipated spectrum of the organic disease, and symptoms that do not follow anatomic distributions. The patient is often more concerned with the physician accepting authenticity of symptoms than relieving them. Vague, diffuse descriptions or overly detailed and elaborate symptoms are suggestive. The patient seems to be amplifying normal bodily sensations. Psychological factors may be revealed in the symbolic choice of words (e.g., “lump in the throat”).
“Stress” for most patients is an acceptable framework within which to obtain psychological information. Care must be taken during the interview not to suggest that the symptoms are “all in the head.”
A thorough and thoughtful history and physical examination are the basis for chosing specific diagnostic tests, and signal to the patient that the complaints are being taken seriously.
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition – Text Revision details the characteristics of patients with this condition. (See Diagnosing somatization disorder, page 796.)
Diagnostic tests rule out physical disorders that cause vague and confusing symptoms, such as hyperparathyroidism, porphyria, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition, multiple physical signs and symptoms that appear for the first time late in life usually stem from physical disease, rather than somatization disorder.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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