HD 2 question help?!

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Can someone explain the difference between hypochondraisis and somatization disorder?

I have looked at the definations and I'm just not getting it. Is hypochondraisis the THOUGHT of having things wrong whereas somatization is that there really is something wrong but no one can pinpoint what it is? I'm getting frustrated:banghead:

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Hypochondriasis is when the person is preoccupied with the fear of having a serious illness; even if his/her doctor finds nothing, they'll often be convinced there is an underlying serious illness. In Somatization Disorder, there are physical symptoms (usually neurological issues, pain, digestive problems, etc.) that cannot be attributed to an actual physical cause.

They're kind of similar; both are somatoform disorders, I believe.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

But yeah, you pretty much had it in your original post! :) Hope that helps!!

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Specifically, somatoform means it may have a psychological origin, but manifests itself with physical symptoms. Think conversion syndrome: http://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/gazette/previousissues/55vol2/Part6

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