Somatic Disorders
Somatic disorders, also known as somatic symptom disorders, involve physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical conditions. Individuals with these disorders experience significant distress or impairment due to their symptoms, which may include pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues. The symptoms are real to the person, even if no underlying medical cause is found.
These disorders often arise from psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety, and can lead to excessive thoughts or behaviors related to the symptoms. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medical care to address both physical and emotional aspects of the condition.