Question

My doctor says I've got 'somatization disorder' and wants me to go to a psychiatrist. I think she's got the wrong diagnosis. What is this 'disorder', anyway? Why can't she find out what's really wrong with me?

Answer

Perhaps you say you think your doctor has made a "wrong diagnosis" because she has suggested you see a psychiatrist. There is no shame in this, as psychiatrists are there to help those with psychological problems, just as medical doctors help with conditions in their field. You will gain knowledge about what Somatization disorder is and why your doctor offered the advice she did. This shows that she understands you and is wanting the most appropriate help for you.
 

Somatization disorder is a chronic condition in which there are numerous physical complaints -- lasting for years and resulting in substantial impairment -- that are caused by psychological problems and for which no underlying physical problem can be identified. A person with somatization disorder has numerous physical symptoms over many years that suggest the person has a medical illness, but the symptoms cannot be explained fully by a medical diagnosis. The symptoms cause significant distress or impair the person's ability to function. The person is not "faking." The symptoms are real and are not under the person's conscious control.
 

People with somatization disorder report multiple medical problems over many years, involving several different areas of the body. For example, the same person might have back pain, headaches, chest discomfort, and gastrointestinal or urinary distress. Women often report irregular menstrual cycles. Men may report erectile dysfunction (impotence). People with somatization disorder get diagnosable medical illnesses, too, so doctors must be careful not to dismiss symptoms too easily.
 

A person with this disorder also may have symptoms of anxiety and depression. He or she may begin to feel hopeless and attempt suicide, or may have trouble adapting to the stresses of life. The person may also abuse alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications.
 

Symptoms usually occur over many years. The person may be distressed and function poorly at work and at home. Either medical evaluation does not explain the symptoms, or the symptoms exceed what would be expected in any medical illness that is found. Symptoms include: Pain - Including headache, back ache, stomach ache, joint pain and chest pain.- Gastrointestinal symptoms - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. -Sexual symptoms - Erectile dysfunction. - Menstrual problems - ' Irregular periods. - Neurological symptoms - Problems with coordination or balance, paralysis, numbness, weakness, vision problems or seizures
 

Sometimes, an antidepressant medication or other psychiatric medication can provide relief from the physical symptoms that stem from somatization disorder. But in most cases, treatment is aimed at coping with secondary problems, such as problems with work and social functioning and any accompanying anxiety or depression. Psychotherapy can help the person cope with chronic physical discomfort and understand how to manage it better.
 

A person with somatization disorder may find it difficult to accept a referral to a mental health professional or to accept that medical evaluation and treatment cannot relieve the symptoms. Ideally, if a primary care physician and mental health professional work together, the person's physical symptoms can be evaluated while he or she also gets help managing the frustration of not having a clear diagnosis or treatment plan. Help may be possible by treating any anxiety and depression, helping to manage conflict at home, and finding ways to help the person to function better.
 

Your doctor appreciates the help you need and is trying to get it for you. You would be wise to follow her advice and seek the help of a psychiatrist, who, working together with your own doctor can perhaps offer you are better quality of life.
 

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Somatization disorder