Abstract

Somatoform disorders can be taxing on the health care system and these patients may be disappointed in medicine. Persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD) is charactarized by pain that can not be fully explained by a physical disorder and that results from an emotional conflict or psychosocial factors. Somatoform disorders may be caused by abnormal central processing of periferal stiimuli, which is greatly affected by expectations and predictions. In PSPD, emotions are strongly related to the experience of pain. When diagnosing, it is important to consider somatoform disorders early on in the diagnostic process, and avoid repetitive unnecessary tests. The best treatment is stepped care that includes different specialists and takes into account both somatic and psychosocial factors. The treatment of PSPD often includes cognitive behavioral therapy and/or biofeedback, pain medication and antidepressants.