Which group of disorders is characterized by physical symptoms without a medical cause?

The group of disorders characterized by physical symptoms without an identifiable medical cause is known as Somatoform Disorders. These disorders involve the manifestation of physical symptoms that can cause significant distress and impairment, yet they do not result from any underlying medical condition. This means that individuals may experience pain, fatigue, or other bodily complaints, but medical tests fail to reveal any organic or physiological basis for these symptoms.

Somatoform Disorders highlight the complex relationship between mind and body, emphasizing how psychological factors can express themselves in physical ways. Individuals with these disorders may genuinely believe they are unwell, and it can be challenging for healthcare providers to navigate their treatment due to the lack of a clear medical diagnosis.

The other groups of disorders listed, such as mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders, primarily involve emotional, cognitive, or behavioral issues rather than the presence of unexplained physical symptoms. Mood disorders focus on emotional states like depression and bipolar disorder, personality disorders relate to enduring patterns of behavior and cognition, and psychotic disorders involve disturbances in thought processes, such as hallucinations or delusions. Thus, they do not capture the essence of having physical complaints without a medical cause, which is specifically defined in Somatoform Disorders.