The disorder is marked by multiple physical complaints that persist for years involving any body system. Most frequently, the complaints involve chronic pain and problems with the digestive system, the nervous system, and the reproductive system. The disorder usually begins before the age of 30 and occurs more often in females.

Somatization disorder is highly stigmatizated and patients are often dismissed by their physicians as having problems that are "all in your head." However, as researchers study the connections between the brain, the digestive system, and the immune system, somatization disorders are becoming better understood and should not be seen as "faked" conditions which the patient could end if he or she chose to do so.

The symptoms are severe enough to lead the person to visit the doctor or take medication, and the symptoms interfere with work and relationships. A lifelong history of sickliness is often present, though no specific disease is ever identified to account for the symptoms. A greater intensity of symptoms often occurs with stress.

Some of the numerous symptoms that can occur with somatization disorder include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the legs or arms
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Pain during urination
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Amnesia
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vision changes
• Paralysis or muscle weakness
• Sexual apathy
• Pain during intercourse
• Impotence
• Painful menstruation
• Irregular menstruation
• Excessive menstrual bleeding

• A physical examination and diagnostic tests are performed to rule out physical causes.
• A psychological evaluation is performed to rule out related disorders.

The goal of treatment is to help the person learn to control the symptoms. There is often an underlying mood disorder which can respond to conventional treatment, such as antidepressant medications.

A supportive relationship with a sympathetic health care provider is the most important aspect of treatment. Regularly scheduled appointments should be maintained to review symptoms and the person's coping mechanisms. Test results should be explained.

It is not helpful to tell people with this disorder that their symptoms are imaginary.

People with a somatization disorder rarely acknowledge that their illness has a psychological component and will usually reject psychiatric treatment.

• Complications may result from invasive testing and from multiple evaluations that are performed while looking for the cause of the symptoms.
• A dependency on pain relievers or sedatives may develop.
• A poor relationship with the health care provider seems to worsen the condition, as does evaluation by many providers.

A good relationship with a consistent primary health care provider is helpful. Call for an appointment if there is a significant change in symptoms.

Counseling or other psychological interventions may help people who are prone to somatization learn other ways of dealing with stresses. This may help reduce the intensity of the symptoms.