[Somatoform dissociation in medical practice]

Somatoform dissociation is a mental phenomenon in which the lack of integration of bodily experiences, reactions, and functions manifests in symptoms. It refers to dissociative symptoms affecting the body that, according to current medical knowledge, cannot be explained by organic disorders. The prevalence of dissociation is estimated to be around 10% in both clinical and general populations. In somatic care, somatoform dissociative symptoms may occur mainly in neurological patients, but in some cases also in gastroenterological, gynaecological, urological or cardiological patients. Clinical observations suggest that the prevalence of somatoform dissociation may be higher than estimated. Recognizing the disorder is challenging because it is rather the rule than the exception that patients initially present with somatic symptoms in primary care. The aim of this summary is to describe the phenomenon of somatoform dissociation, its frequency, and the potential causes of its development. Additionally, the study summarizes the available methods for measuring the disorder, the differential diagnostic process, and provides guidance on recognizing and treating the disorder. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(8): 283–291.