Wize University Psychology Textbook > Stress & Health
Somatic Disorders
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Somatic Disorders
Somatic disorders, previously called somatoform disorders, refer to when someone experiences physical symptoms that do not have a known medical cause and are not voluntarily produced by the individual (such as with Factitious disorder)
For example, stress-induced ulcers or intestinal pains would not be consider a somatic disorder as there is an underlying medical cause
However, pain, fatigue, or other symptoms that cannot be attributed to a medical issue could be considered somatic disorders
Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) - when a person excessively or extremely focuses on certain physical symptoms, leading to distress and/or disruption to their daily functioning
Functional neurologic disorder - formerly called Conversion disorder, this involves neurological symptoms (blindness, paralysis, numbness) for which a medical explanation cannot be found. Often occurs after psychological stress or trauma
Illness anxiety disorder - often called hypochondriasis, this involves excessive worrying about illness, often without any physical symptoms being present. This can lead to extreme anxiety or distress.