Somatoform disorders in DSM-IV:: Mental or physical disorders?

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-lV. 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. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.