Somatoform pain disorder is persistent and long-term (chronic) pain due to psychological factors.
Alternative Names
Pain disorder
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek medical attention. In somatoform pain disorder, the pain is so severe that it impairs a person's ability to function.
The pain in this condition is thought to be related to psychological factors, such as stress. People with this illness may have other medical problems, but these do not fully explain the pain.
There is a stigma about psychological pain by medical professionals and the general public. Some people do not fully understand the connection between mind and body. They mistakenly believe that psychological pain isn't "real" and should be able to be controlled without medical or mental health treatment.
