Question
Which of the following is not a specific somatoform disorders?.
| A. |
Somatization disorder |
| B. |
Fibromyalgia |
| C. |
Chronic fatigue syndrome |
| D. |
Irritable bowel syndrome |
|
Correct Answer » C Explanation |
 |
Clinical Reasoning for the Correct Answer
– Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) features prolonged, unexplained fatigue that impairs activity.
– CFS is a distinct entity with unclear cause involving immune, neurological & psychological factors.
– It is not classified as a somatoform disorder, which involves medically unexplained physical symptoms attributed to psychological causes.
– Somatoform disorders (DSM-IV/ICD-10) have symptoms suggesting medical illness but lack physiological explanation; CFS differs by its symptom pattern and criteria.
Why Option A is Incorrect
– Somatization disorder is a classic somatoform disorder with multiple unexplained somatic complaints.
– Symptoms affect multiple organ systems and meet DSM-IV/ICD-10 criteria for somatoform disorders.
Why Option C is Incorrect
– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often considered a somatoform or functional gastrointestinal disorder.
– It presents with recurrent abdominal pain & altered bowel habits without structural cause.
– Classified in the somatoform spectrum due to no organic pathology fully explaining symptoms.
Why Option D is Incorrect
– Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculoskeletal pain without identifiable pathology.
– Often viewed as a somatoform or functional somatic syndrome.
– Psychological factors & somatization play a key role, linking it to somatoform disorders.
