Once a doctor determines that the disorder is psychologic, somatization disorder can be distinguished from similar psychiatric disorders by its many symptoms and their tendency to persist over a period of years. Adding to the diagnosis are the dramatic nature of the complaints and the person's exhibitionistic, dependent, manipulative, and sometimes suicidal behavior. Prognosis and Treatment Somatization disorder tends to fluctuate in severity but persists throughout life. Complete relief of symptoms for any extended period is rare. Some people become more overtly depressed after many years, and their references to suicide become more ominous.
Suicide is a definite risk.
Treatment is extremely difficult. People with somatization disorder tend to be frustrated and angered by any suggestion that their symptoms are psychologic. Therefore, doctors can't deal directly with the problem as a psychologic one, even when they recognize it. Drugs don't help much, and even if the person agrees to a psychiatric consultation, specific psychotherapy techniques aren't likely to be beneficial. Usually, the best treatment is a calm, firm, supportive relationship with a doctor who offers symptomatic relief and protects the person from very costly and possibly dangerous diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.