Somatization disorder is a disorder with many symptoms that begins before the age of thirty, extends over a period of years, and is characterized by a combination of pain, gastrointestinal, sexual, and pseudoneurological symptoms.

The etiology is unknown, but can be familiar. This disorder appears to be an unconscious request for care and attention.

The complaints start before the age of thirty and last over many years. The patient seeks medical treatment and becomes dramatic when retelling his or her symptoms. The usual course is to travel from one medical doctor to another because of dissatisfaction with their treatment. Specific symptoms, which form the diagnostic criteria, can be found under the test section below. A general medical condition or effects of a drug cannot explain the symptoms. Symptoms are not faked or intentionally produced.

Laboratory tests do not support the complaints. Physical examination lacks any objective evidence of the subjective complaints. However, new complaints should be investigated as possible problems. Diagnostic criteria for the disorder include a history of:

• At least four different pain sites (e.g., abdomen, head, back, joints, chest, rectum, extremities, or during menstruation, sexual intercourse, or urination)

• At least two gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms other than pain (e.g., nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, or food intolerance)

• At least one sexual symptom, other than pain (e.g., irregular menses, excessive menstrual bleeding, vomiting throughout pregnancy, sexual indifference, erectile or ejaculator dysfunction)

• At least one pseudoneurological symptom (e.g., impaired coordination or balance, paralysis or localized weakness, double vision, difficulty in swallowing, loss of touch, deafness, blindness, urinary retention and seizures).

At best, the treatment of these patients is difficult. The suggestion to patients that their disease is psychological causes anger. Drugs and psychotherapy are not very effective. The recommended best treatment is supportive; calm care from a long-term physician who provides symptomatic relief and protection from unnecessary procedures.

This is a chronic, but fluctuating disorder that usually subsides completely. A year will seldom pass without the individual's seeking some medical attention prompted by unexplained recurrent complaints.