Understanding Somatisation Disorder (Briquet’s Syndrome)

Somatisation disorder, once widely known as Briquet’s syndrome, is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. At its core, it involves the presence of multiple physical complaints across different bodily systems—pain, gastrointestinal issues, neurological symptoms, and more—yet no identifiable medical cause can be found despite repeated investigations.

This condition usually begins before the age of 30 and tends to run a chronic, persistent course. One of its defining features is the person’s frequent medical consultations—not out of exaggeration or intent to mislead, but because the distress feels very real and overwhelming. Patients often undergo numerous medical tests, consult multiple specialists, and sometimes even receive unnecessary treatments, yet remain without a clear diagnosis that explains their suffering.

Historically, Briquet’s syndrome was also referred to as “St. Louis hysteria.” However, unlike hysteria or what we now call conversion and dissociative disorders, somatisation disorder rarely presents with dramatic symptoms such as sudden blindness, paralysis, or fainting. Instead, its symptoms are more diffuse, long-lasting, and harder to pinpoint, often leading to frustration for both patients and healthcare providers.

The importance of understanding this disorder lies in recognizing that the symptoms are genuine, even though they lack a physical explanation. The distress experienced is psychological in origin but expressed through the body. It is part of the broader spectrum of somatoform disorders, conditions where emotional distress manifests as physical symptoms.

Managing somatisation disorder requires a holistic approach. Building a stable, supportive relationship with a trusted healthcare provider is crucial. Over time, consistent reassurance, careful monitoring, and psychological therapies—such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—can help patients understand the mind-body connection, reduce unnecessary medical procedures, and improve quality of life.

While the name may have shifted from Briquet’s syndrome to somatisation disorder, the challenge remains the same: bridging the gap between physical suffering and psychological understanding, with compassion and careful care at the center.