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somatization disorder (Briquet's syndrome)

A tendency to experience & express somatic distress & symptoms unaccounted for by pathologic findings, to attribute them to physical illness & to seek medical help for them [2]. Etiology: - stressful life events - psychologic factors Epidemiology: 1) usually begins before the age of 30 2) females affected more than males Clinical manifestations: 1) multiple, often long-standing somatic complaints a) pain complaints, at least 4 sites of pain b) gastrointestinal disturbances, >= 2 GI symptoms c) >=1 sexual symptom d) >= 1 pseudo- neurologic symptom (other than pain) 2) chronic, albeit fluctuating, course 3) 45% have concurrent anxiety or depressive disorders 4) physician shopping is common 5) narcotic requests are common 6) extensive workups are common Management: 1) identification of stressful life event does not alleviate symptoms 2) treat anxiety &/or depression 3) regular scheduled contact with a single caring physician 4) education, stress management & reassurance

Related

anxiety disorder depression somatization

General

somatoform (psychosomatic) disorder; somatic symptom & related disorders (SSRD)

References

  1. Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 1105-1107
  2. Journal Watch 21(17):141, 2001 Schilte et al BMJ 323:86, 2001
  3. UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
  4. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 7th edition Parada JT et al (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2010 - Geriatric Review Syllabus, 8th edition (GRS8) Durso SC and Sullivan GN (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2013
  5. Oyama O, Paltoo C, Greengold J Somatoform disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Nov 1;76(9):1333-8. PMID: 18019877