From parent levels
ChapterVMental and behavioural disordersOpen
BlockF40-F48Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disordersOpen
CategoryF45Somatoform disordersOpen
The main feature is repeated presentation of physical symptoms together with persistent requests for medical investigations, in spite of repeated negative findings and reassurances by doctors that the symptoms have no physical basis. If any physical disorders are present, they do not explain the nature and extent of the symptoms or the distress and preoccupation of the patient.
Exclusions
- dissociative disorders (F44.-)
- hair-plucking (F98.4)
- lalling (F80.0)
- lisping (F80.8)
- nail-biting (F98.8)
- psychological or behavioural factors associated with disorders or diseases classified elsewhere (F54)
- sexual dysfunction, not caused by organic disorder or disease (F52.-)
- thumb-sucking (F98.8)
- tic disorders (in childhood and adolescence) (F95.-)
- Tourette syndrome (F95.2)
- trichotillomania (F63.3)
Hypochondriacal disorder
The essential feature is a persistent preoccupation with the possibility of having one or more serious and progressive physical disorders. Patients manifest persistent somatic complaints or a persistent preoccupation with their physical appearance. Normal or commonplace sensations and appearances are often interpreted by patients as abnormal and distressing, and attention is usually focused upon only one or two organs or systems of the body. Marked depression and anxiety are often present, and may justify additional diagnoses.
Inclusions
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Dysmorphophobia (nondelusional)
- Hypochondriacal neurosis
- Hypochondriasis
- Nosophobia