Somatoform or Factitious Disorders

A somatoform disorder is a psychiatric disorder where a person has significant but unexplainable physical symptoms. This type of disorder can cause people to feel distressed and they may require intervention. Although little is known about this disorder, people who have somatoform may also have the following disorders:

• Mood disorders.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Personality disorders.
• Eating disorders.
• Psychotic disorders.

Factitious disorders differ from somatoform in that the person adopts physical symptoms out of an unconscious desire to gain something. With somatoform, there is no obvious way for the person to benefit from their condition. Along the same lines of a factitious disorder is malingering which is when someone purposefully fakes being sick for an external benefit (such as for financial gain or to avoid a situation).

How Can Turn-About Ranch Help?

Teens who have somatoform or factitious disorders need extra help, encouragement, and therapy to overcome their issues. For teens who struggle with these conditions, our therapists will work with them and teach them how to live functional, healthy lives.