[Somatoform pain and work capacity]

In DSM-III-(R) functional syndromes are introduced, which are partly important for the earning capacity of the afflicted patients. In this paper the somatoform pain disorder is discussed exemplary. According to the DSM-III-R patients with somatoform pain disorder gets typically incapacitated for working. Problems of examination of these patients are reflected in regard of the social insurance pension for patients with traditional neurosis. The construct of the somatoform pain disorder implies not a well-differentiated concept as it existed in the neurosis. Finding out the correct diagnosis depends mainly on the patients self description. Because of this, there are problems to distinguish this disorder from malingering. The estimation of the earning capacity depends mainly on the severity of the disorder, which can be determined analogous to the neurosis. Important social medical aspects (e.g. early recognition) are pointed out.