Learning Objectives
When you have completed this chapter, you should be able to:
- Describe the main diagnostic criteria and symptom characteristics for the DSM-IV-TR listed somatoform disorders, and evaluate some of the issues concerning diagnosis, comorbidity and prevalence.
- Describe and evaluate the main theories of the aetiology of somatoform disorders, and be able to compare psychological and biological explanations.
- Describe and evaluate 3 or 4 psychological therapies that have been developed to treat somatoform disorders, and discuss how these therapies address the underlying causes of individual disorders.