What is a common feature of somatoform disorders?

Somatoform disorders are characterized primarily by the presence of physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. A common feature of these disorders is the involvement of psychological factors. Individuals experiencing somatoform disorders often have psychological distress that is expressed through physical symptoms, which they may not be consciously aware of as being linked to their emotional state.

This connection between psychological issues and physical manifestations is what distinguishes somatoform disorders from purely medical conditions, as the symptoms are real to the individual but stem from psychological rather than physiological causes. This can lead to significant emotional distress, impacting the person's quality of life and functioning.

The other options, while they may relate to different contexts or types of disorders, do not capture the defining characteristic of somatoform disorders as effectively. For instance, the presence of a medical explanation contradicts the essence of somatoform disorders, where the focus is on the psychological roots of the symptoms rather than a clear medical diagnosis.