Definition:
Somatoform disorders are a class of mental health disorders recognized by the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Ed.). They are characterized by physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition.
For a somatoform disorder to be diagnosed, physical symptoms must be present. This requirement helps distinguish somatoform disorders from such related conditions as nosophobia and malingering.
Examples of somatoform disorders include hypochondriasis, somatization disorder, conversion disorder and body dysmorphic disorder.
Common Misspellings: somataform disorder
Examples: Jeff gets headaches whenever he is under stress. Since his doctor found no physical cause, Jeff was diagnosed with a somatoform disorder.
