Is It Hypochondria? Or Is It Somatization?

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Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Many people confuse somatization disorder, a chronic condition characterized by numerous physical complaints for which no underlying cause can be found, with hypochondria, a persistent fear of serious illness based on a misinterpretation or misperception of symptoms.

Hypochondriacs, for example, think a headache signals a brain tumor. Somatizers are not as concerned with the underlying cause of the headache, but are preoccupied with the pain itself.

About 40 percent of people with somatization disorder also suffer from hypochondria, which is believed to account for 4 to 9 percent of patients seen by internists and family practitioners. Somatization is less common, affecting between 0.2 and 2 percent of the population.

Following are some characteristics of each disorder:

Somatization

· Frequently develops during adolescence.

· May be associated with childhood sexual or physical abuse.

· Women account for 90 percent of cases.

· Patients often seek treatment from multiple doctors simultaneously and undergo numerous tests and procedures.

· Involves at least four parts of the body, such as stomach, head, back and reproductive organs.

· Symptoms are not manufactured or faked.

Hypochondria

· Affects men and women equally.

· Typically begins in adulthood but before age 30.

· Often associated with serious illness in childhood.