Does DSM-V provide the solution for classification problems with somatoform disorders?

Since its introduction as a new diagnostic category in DSM-III, that concept of somatoform disorders has been frequently criticized. In several countries, the corresponding diagnoses were only rarely used, the conceptual approach was not transformed to clinical practice, and some basic assumptions were misinterpreted. Patients suffering from these syndromes were classified using a multitude of diagnoses, which is unsatisfactory both in terms of comparability of scientific projects, and in terms of evaluating and planning health care management. The DSM-V work group suggested a new concept of Somatic Symptom Disorder for this patient group just recently, with the diagnosis of complex somatic symptom disorder (CSSD) being its prototype. Most innovatively, the distinction between medically explained and medically unexplained physical symptoms should be abolished, while additional criteria were formulated to address associated psychological features. This article discusses strengths and limitations of the new proposal, and provides some personal evaluation.