In simple words: Somatization disorder is a mental health problem where someone experiences many different physical symptoms, but doctors can't find a physical reason for them.These symptoms can last for a long time and might include pain, digestive issues, sexual problems, or neurological symptoms.The symptoms are real to the person, but they stem from emotional or psychological factors. Treatment often involves talking therapies like counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage the underlying emotional and psychological causes.

Somatization disorder (F45.0), also known as Briquet's disorder or multiple psychosomatic disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by numerous and varied physical symptoms that persist for at least two years. These symptoms lack sufficient medical explanation and often lead to extensive medical evaluations with no definitive diagnosis.The symptoms can affect any part of the body and frequently shift over time.A diagnosis typically requires the presence of pain at four different body sites, including two gastrointestinal complaints (other than pain), one sexual or reproductive complaint (other than pain), and one neurological complaint.Patients may present with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, widespread pain, balance problems, and paralysis.The disorder is often chronic and fluctuating, frequently impacting social, interpersonal, and family functioning.Treatment focuses on improving functionality rather than managing symptoms and typically involves psychological counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and potentially family or friend support.

Example 1: A 35-year-old female patient presents with recurrent abdominal pain, fatigue, headaches, and back pain for the past three years.Multiple medical investigations have yielded negative results.She also reports difficulty sleeping and significant emotional distress., A 40-year-old male patient reports experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness for two years.Extensive cardiac evaluations show no abnormalities.He also expresses significant anxiety and concerns about his health., A 28-year-old female patient complains of chronic pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and decreased libido.Gynecological exams show no clear explanation for her symptoms.She reports feeling overwhelmed and experiencing significant relationship difficulties.

Detailed patient history including symptom onset, duration, character, and exacerbating/relieving factors; documentation of multiple medical consultations and investigations with negative results; psychological assessment; mental status exam; and consideration of social and environmental stressors.

** It is crucial to thoroughly document the patient's symptoms, the extent of medical investigations performed, and the absence of any organic cause to support the diagnosis of F45.0.A comprehensive treatment plan addressing both the physical and psychological aspects is essential.