Somatoform disorders.
The fields of neurology and psychiatry were originally practiced as a unitary model. As the fields dichotomized patients into "organic" and "functional," patients with medically unexplained symptoms fell between the borderlands. Despite their significant prevalence, somatoform disorders (SDs) are grossly under-recognized and lack effective treatments. This article reviews diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, examination findings, and treatments for these disorders. A summary of advances in research in functional neuroimaging and treatment trials is also given.
LaFrance
W Curt
WC
Division of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology, Brown Medical School/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA. William_LaFrance_Jr@brown.edu
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009462:Neurology; D011570:Psychiatry; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy