Difference between Somatization Disorder and Somatoform Disorders

[CWDancer]

Hello Everyone,
I was just diagnosed with Somatization Disorder.  I just turned 33 and I'm trying to get as much
information as I can.  But I do have a question.  While I was searching for info I noticed the name
Somatoform Disorder and noticed that it was in the same artical.  My Psychiatrist told me that I
have Somatization Disorder.  What is the difference between them.  He also told me that he
thinks that I could be having a type of seizure that is not linked with Epilepsey.  Please any
information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
CWDancer  

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

When your anxiety is expressed with physical symptoms, that is called somatization.  The other name is irrelevant to your situation and refers to a group of medical disorders with unknown origin.

[SadieSunflower]

A Somatization Disorder is a type of a Somatoform Disorder. Other Somatoform Disorders include Conversion Disorder, Hypochondriasis, and so on.

Please be very careful about this diangosis. I have heard from many people who have been misdiangosed with a somatoform disorder who actually had an "organic" dissease. I am sure that I would have been diagnosed with a somatoform disorder if I had not insisted that doctors persue a neurological explanation for my symptoms. I was finally diagnosed with dysautonomia at the Cleveland Clinic. It took me a year and a half, 6 neurolgists, and 2 cities before I got a diagnosis.

Do your research and trust your instincts!