Somatization disorder

This code represents a chronic mental disorder characterized by multiple, recurrent, and frequently changing physical symptoms for which no adequate physical explanation can be found. Patients experience significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to these symptoms.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of somatization disorder, where physical symptoms are the primary focus and are not intentionally produced or feigned. This diagnosis requires a history of multiple somatic complaints across various body systems, beginning before age 30, and leading to medical attention or significant impairment.

• Differentiate from other somatic symptom and related disorders, such as illness anxiety disorder or conversion disorder, which have distinct diagnostic criteria.
• Ensure documentation specifies the chronic and pervasive nature of the somatic complaints and the absence of a medical explanation.
• Do not use if symptoms are intentionally produced (factitious disorder) or feigned (malingering).