Somatoform disorders are characterized by:

Somatoform disorders are characterized by the presence of physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. Individuals with these disorders genuinely experience pain or other physical complaints, yet medical evaluations typically reveal no identifiable medical cause. This disconnect between the symptoms and any detectable physical ailment is the hallmark of somatoform disorders, making the correct identification of these conditions crucial for appropriate treatment and support.

In the context of the options provided, physical symptoms that have a known physical cause do not fall within the realm of somatoform disorders, as these are defined by the absence of a clear medical diagnosis. Excessive social anxiety is more aligned with anxiety disorders rather than somatoform disorders, focusing instead on psychological factors rather than physical symptoms. Compulsive eating behavior is associated with eating disorders, which involve a different set of psychological and behavioral patterns and are not classified as somatoform disorders. These distinctions are vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning in behavioral health.