Beware the Mind-Body Connection: Man Diagnosed with ‘Extreme Somatoform Disorder’ after Repeated Hospital Visits

A man in Hanoi, aged 30, was frequently concerned about having a contagious disease after engaging in unprotected sex. He visited hospitals multiple times before Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoai Bac, the Head of the Department of Andrology and Gender at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, revealed that the patient had not used a condom during his risky sexual behavior. Despite experiencing symptoms such as blisters and small pimples around his genital area for over a year, he believed he had contracted an infectious disease.

Doctors conducted tests for 12 different infectious agents but found no evidence of disease. However, the patient was experiencing decreased libido, prompting the doctor to recommend further examination for mental health issues. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with “extreme somatoform disorder,” which is a chronic mental illness characterized by a persistent belief in having a medical condition despite reassurance from medical professionals. This can lead to excessive testing and examination that can negatively impact the patient’s daily life for years to come.

Proper awareness of this condition and seeking treatment from specialists can significantly improve symptoms and prevent its progression into more serious conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, and potentially life-threatening situations. It’s crucial for patients to understand the nature of somatoform disorder and follow a treatment plan that addresses both their physical and mental health concerns.