Review article: Somatization Disorders in emergency department: A critical overview of current challenges and future directions

Abstract

Individuals with Somatization Disorders present frequently to the ED with non-cardiac chest pain, non-specific abdominal pain, headaches and a range of other non-specific symptoms. Somatization Disorder presentations are ubiquitous within the healthcare system. Seen as belonging to ‘no man's land’, these disorders, are often diagnosed and treated by different medical subspecialities. This characteristic of Somatization Disorders creates challenges regarding their diagnosis and management across emergency care settings. The current review explores the scope of the problem and, the challenges inherent in diagnosing and treating these disorders in ED environments. Based on available evidence and the essential character of these disorders, future directions are suggested for more effective emergency management and possible referral from ED.