Somatic symptom and related disorders in Asians and Asian Americans.

Somatic manifestation is common in the Asian population. The frequent occurrence of somatic symptom and related disorders among Asians could well be explained by an overt emphasis on 'somatic' idioms of distress on the one hand, and unacceptability and stigma attached to psychological expression of distress on the other. Assessment and diagnosis of somatoform disorders is complicated by the scarcity of cross-culturally validated instruments. Likewise, management is also based on Western literature in which psychological interventions override pharmacological treatment. DSM-5 has broadened the scope of somatoform disorders and emphasizes the concept rather than simply counting symptoms. These changes are expected to have a positive impact cross-culturally.