Somatoform Disorder

The human mind is an organ with a balance of power, strength, and fragility that has produced many wondrous and disastrous things in its wake. The potential and power of the mind has yet to be fully explained nor even comprehended but yet like so many other areas of the human existence the fascination with it has left many daunting questions about its machinations. At its disposal is a limitless array of creativity and purpose. Sciences have been developed and studied, evoked from concepts of the very thoughts that have been produced by this human machinery. The intricacies of the human mind may never be explained, but it will always leave us with subject matter to explore.

For years doctors have been presented with the challenge of dealing with human behavior and the reasons for its inner workings. Whether socio or economic factors guide individuals into certain behaviors or even both is yet to be seen. Enter such a subject topic as Somatoform Disorders, a mental disorder characterized by a series of physical symptoms ailing an individual with no real proof that would characterize any physiological cause. “Somatoform disorder is an umbrella term encompassing the following conditions: somatization disorder, conversion disorder, undifferentiated disorder, pain disorder, hypochondria, and last but not least, body dysmorphic disorder” (Schonbeck, 2006).

At the root of this disorder is stress. More females than males experience these symptoms because of the high pressures that are placed on them by societal expectations. “Somatoform disorder is the third highest psychological disorder following depression and anxiety”, respectively (Yates, 2011). Many patients are misdiagnosed because of the need for physical treatment instead of ...

... middle of paper ...

...aforementioned conditions can change the way they express their emotions, feeling comfortable externalizing what is happening to them internally, instead of having to suppress any kind of thought or feeling that is counterculture. Moreover, relatives need to encourage closer bonds among each other to create a more fostering environment of communication and support.

Although somatoform disorder is pervasive in today’s society, with open conversation, knowledge, and programs to bring the true nature of these conditions to light, there is hope for the many sufferers of this disease.

Works Cited

Longe, E. J. (2006). Somatoform Disorder. Detroit: Gale.

Rebecca J. Frey, P. (2006). Somatoform Disoders. Health & Wellnes Resource Center.

William R. Yates, M. M. (2011). Medscape Reference. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294908-overview#a0199