somatoform disorders are characterised by persistent physical symptoms that suggest the presence of a medical condition, but are not explained fully by that condition or by the direct effects of substance misuse or mental disorder (DSM-IV). the prevalence of somatoform disorders is estimated at 6% in the general population. Patients with such disorders usually have high functional impairment, are difficult to treat, and show high utilisation of medical care. Moreover, it typically takes years before they are referred to mental health care. A strictly somatic approach and unnecessary diagnostic examinations my increase somatising behaviours, and lead to chronic symptoms and high medical costs: these findings emphasise the need for early intervention. Psychotherapy may be a viable treatment option given the role of behavioural, cognitive and emotion processes in these disorders and their high degree of comorbidity with mental disorders. Some review and meta-analyses suggest that psychotherapy may be effective in patients with somatoform disorders. However, these reviews were restricted to psycho-dynamic psychotherapy only, or predominantly involved groups with less severe disorder, with functional neurological or conversion disorder generally being excluded. Hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder were typically included in these reviews, although it is still a matter of debate whether these condition should be classified as somatoform disorder.