A woman presents with numerous physical complaints without identifiable causes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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The most likely diagnosis is somatization disorder, which is characterized by the presence of multiple physical complaints that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. Individuals with somatization disorder often experience genuine distress due to their symptoms, which can include a wide range of physical issues related to different bodily systems. It's important to note that the complaints are not intentionally produced or feigned, distinguishing this disorder from others that involve intentional deception.

Individuals suffering from somatization disorder frequently visit healthcare providers seeking treatment for their symptoms, which can lead to a cycle of medical investigations that often yield no identifiable medical cause. This pattern of behavior can significantly impact their quality of life and can result in excessive medical interventions.

Chronic pain syndrome involves persistent pain that may or may not have a clear physical origin, but it emphasizes pain as the primary symptom rather than a variety of physical complaints. Factitious disorder and Munchausen's syndrome involve the intentional production or feigning of symptoms for the purpose of assuming a sick role, which is not characteristic of somatization disorder.

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