A group of disorders characterized by physical symptoms that are affected by emotional factors and involve a single organ system, usually under autonomic nervous system (ANS) control. Symptoms are caused by physiological changes that normally accompany certain emotional states, but the changes are more intense and sustained. Frequently called psychosomatic disorders. These disorders are usually named and classified according to the organ system involved (e.g., gastrointestinal, respiratory). In dsm-iv-tr, such cases would be diagnosed as psychological factors affecting a general medical condition. The specific physical condition is diagnosed and recorded separately. When there is no diagnosable physical condition, some other disorder may be cited.
Associated with physiological stress resulting in bodily disturbances that are innervated by the autonomic nervous system.