Private Clinic for Somatoform Disorders

A somatoform disorder can manifest through a wide variety of physical symptoms. The most common symptoms include, among others:

• Gastrointestinal complaints
• Undefined nerve pain
• Breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath
• Severe headaches up to migraines
• Back pain
• Dizziness, exhaustion, and fatigue

According to ICD-10, there are different forms of somatoform disorders. In general, somatoform disorders are physical complaints without a specific cause that persist over a longer period of time. The different forms include:
Somatization Disorder
This is the most severe form of somatoform disorders and persists for at least two years. During this time, affected individuals experience various physical symptoms and have often endured a long period of suffering, as the disorder significantly impacts their daily lives.
Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder
This is a milder form that can be diagnosed after six months and involves less severe symptoms.
Somatoform Autonomic Dysfunction
In this form, the affected person reports problems in specific organ systems or the autonomic nervous system. Examples include cardiovascular complaints, such as palpitations, as well as short-term pain localized to a specific organ.
Hypochondriacal Disorder
Individuals with hypochondriacal disorder have been preoccupied for at least six months with thoughts that they are suffering from a progressive, often serious physical illness.
Persistent Pain Disorder
Here, affected individuals suffer from chronic pain for at least six months, which has psychological causes and significantly impairs daily and personal life.

There are certain risk factors and triggers that can contribute to the development of somatoform disorders. These include:

• Psychological disorders, such as depression, burnout, and PTSD
• Chronic stress
• Family history of somatoform disorders