Final answer:
A somatoform disorder is defined as (D) Disorder in which symptoms are produced by psychological factors, where patients experience real physical symptoms that significantly impact their well-being, but these symptoms are not attributed to any physical disease or feigned by the individual.
Step-by-step explanation:
Somatoform disorders can be best defined as a group of disorders in which there are physical symptoms that suggest illness or injury, but which cannot be fully explained by a general medical condition, substance use, or another mental disorder. The cause of these symptoms is believed to be psychological factors. It's crucial to note that the symptoms are not intentionally produced or feigned (they are not "completely made up" by the individual), and they are indeed real to the patient and cause significant distress or impairment. Therefore, among the choices given, the most accurate definition of a somatoform disorder is (D) Disorder in which symptoms are produced by psychological factors.
Examples of somatoform disorders include somatization disorder, conversion disorder, and pain disorder. These conditions can severely affect a person's ability to function and particularly complicate their health care, because it may be challenging for physicians to determine that there is not a diagnosable physical cause for the symptoms. Treatment of somatoform disorders often involves psychotherapy to help manage the psychological aspects that contribute to the physical symptoms.