Physical symptoms such as pain, that are alleged to be related to trauma, are often the subject of litigation. Differentiating among physical symptoms that are related to true medical conditions, substance abuse or actual mental disorders as compared to those related to exaggeration or faking can be difficult. The following article offers some guidelines that lawyers for plaintiffs and defendants can use in understanding the differences among these conditions. Actual diagnosis will, of course, require appropriate examination by physicians and psychologists.
Some people express psychological distress by means of bodily symptoms.
Not surprisingly, they tend to overuse medical services. Ford noted that in some cases these symptoms are not voluntarily produced while in others there may be a deliberate attempt to produce false or exaggerated symptoms in order to obtain an external incentive or to assume the sick role. Somatization, whether intentional or unintentional, may occur within the context of a Personal Injury lawsuit or a Workman's Compensation or disability claim. Somatizing behavior tends to occur most often among certain groups. Individuals who are low in mental ability, limited in education or weak in self-understanding or insight may be unable or unwilling to communicate their feelings and be more likely to manifest emotional distress as physical symptoms.