Somatisation disorder
Somatisation
Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain , that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition.
These type of symptoms are sometimes known as"medically unexplained symptoms" or "functional symptoms" when they last for more than a few weeks, but doctors can't finda problem with the bodythat may be the cause.
This doesn't mean the symptoms are faked or"all in the head" they're real and can affect your ability to function properly.
Not understanding the causecan make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with.
Medically unexplainedsymptoms are common, accounting for up toa fifth of all GP consultations in the UK.
This page covers:
Possible causes
Who's affected
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 6 Dec 2016
Somatisation
Find out about medically unexplained symptoms, including possible causes, the connection between physical and mental health, how your GP can help and self-help.
Possible causes of medically unexplained symptoms
Manypeople with medically unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness , pain and Palpitations ,also have depression or anxiety . Treatingan associatedpsychological problem can often relieve the physical
How your GP can help
YourGP will aim to rule out all the possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms. You may havea thorough physical examination and blood tests . It's important toconsider whetherany medicati
Self-help
Thereare things you can do to improve or even relieve some physical symptoms,such as taking regular exercise and managing stress. Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it al
Who's affected
Unexplained symptoms tend to be more common among: women younger people people who've recently had an infection or physical illness,or those affectedby the ill health or death of a relative people wh
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products