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Somatoform disorders in DSM-IV: mental or physical disorders?
1WHO Collaborating Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, United Kingdom. richardsykes@blueyonder.co.uk
Objective:
To examine analytically the question of whether the characterization of somatoform disorders (SFDs) in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) provides adequate grounds for classifying them as mental disorders rather than as physical disorders.
Methods:
Analytical examination.
Results:
There are prima facie grounds for classifying SFDs as physical disorders since they are characterized by physical symptoms. The characterization of SFDs in DSM-IV does not provide adequate grounds for classifying them as mental disorders.
Conclusion:
The spectrum of SFDs is drawn too widely in DSM-IV. At least some of the conditions now listed as SFDs in DSM-IV should be either given a dual diagnosis or classified simply as physical disorders.
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