Diagnostic schema for somatic and psychologic complaints.

The patient with somatic complaints may have a "clear-cut" medical condition or a somatoform disorder. The patient with psychologic complaints may have a "clear-cut" psychiatric disturbance or an organic brain disorder. Medical conditions may be worsened or complicated by psychologic factors. The challenge to the physician is to discover which category best encompasses the patient's symptoms so that a rational plan of management can be devised.