Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Physical symptoms refer to bodily sensations or experiences that are noticeable and measurable. These can include pain, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues.
Related terms
Psychosomatic: Referring to physical symptoms that have a psychological origin.
Somatization Disorder: A disorder characterized by multiple unexplained physical symptoms without any medical explanation.
Hypochondriasis (Illness Anxiety Disorder): Excessive worry about having a serious illness despite little evidence of actual medical problems.