Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for your question, and for finding EmpowHER.
Severe Somatoform Disorder is a real psychological disorder. It is a condition that can be treated, the goal is to improve quality of life. Here is a full description of her condition from the Merck Manual. It includes treatment suggestions, which I'm sure the doctor already has gone over:
http://www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/sec4/ch35/ch35a.jsp
It is a doctor's job to rule out physical conditions and to "do no harm" in trying to diagnose and treat an illness. It says a key to effective treatment is a good patient/doctor relationship. Does your mom trust her doctor?
I'm not sure what else you can do to help your mom to accept the diagnosis, except be supportive. Good luck, and let us know if you have any other questions.
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Hi Anonymous,
August 31, 2010 - 10:08amThanks for your question, and for finding EmpowHER.
Severe Somatoform Disorder is a real psychological disorder. It is a condition that can be treated, the goal is to improve quality of life. Here is a full description of her condition from the Merck Manual. It includes treatment suggestions, which I'm sure the doctor already has gone over:
http://www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/sec4/ch35/ch35a.jsp
It is a doctor's job to rule out physical conditions and to "do no harm" in trying to diagnose and treat an illness. It says a key to effective treatment is a good patient/doctor relationship. Does your mom trust her doctor?
I'm not sure what else you can do to help your mom to accept the diagnosis, except be supportive. Good luck, and let us know if you have any other questions.
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