[Somatization--problems in the borderland between somatic medicine and psychiatry].

The repeated presentation of multiple bodily symptoms which cannot be accounted for by detectable somatic illness is called somatization. It is frequently based on psychosocial stress, mainly one leading to adjustment problems, which in particular may initiate psycho-physiological dysbalance. Somatization, which does not include classical psychosomatic disorders is a common problem in primary care and inpatient settings. The concept of somatization has a firm empirical basis and offers fair therapeutic possibilities when the syndrome is recognized early and correctly.