Physical complaints that cannot be explained medically are characteristic of which psychological disorder?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder
• C. Somatic symptom disorder
• D. Schizophrenia

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key term 'Physical complaints that cannot be explained medically.' This refers to symptoms that a person experiences physically but for which no medical cause can be found after thorough examination.
2. Step 2: Review the definitions of the listed disorders: Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves repetitive thoughts and behaviors; Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry; Schizophrenia involves psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Somatic symptom disorder is specifically defined by the presence of physical symptoms that cause distress or impairment but lack a clear medical explanation.
4. Step 4: Compare the symptom focus of each disorder with the description of unexplained physical complaints to identify which disorder matches best.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the disorder characterized by physical complaints without medical explanation is Somatic symptom disorder.