title: [In the gray area between body, psyche and social difficulties. II: Psychiatric assessment of somatoform disorders (exemplified by chronic pain patients].
abstract: Medico-legal assessment for long-term disability benefits in patients with mainly somatoform pain disorders is in increasing demand. Since impairment does not explain the loss of function in somatoform disorders, the expert must determine to what extent the patient is able to cope more actively with pain in order to attain a higher level of functioning. Consistency of behavioral signs, flexibility and initiative in the way of coping are helpful criteria in this respect. Special attention is given to problems in the assessment of migrants with these disorders. We strongly support the concept of an interdisciplinary approach in medico-legal assessment. Postgraduate medical training in this field should receive greater attention accordingly.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrische Poliklinik, Universitätsspital Zürich.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Willi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klipstein
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013557:Switzerland