Patients with the diagnosis somatic symptom disorder/bodily distress disorder present multiple somatic symptoms and demand for medical examination despite the lack of organic findings (dysfunctional illness behavior). The doctor-patient relationship is often difficult. Basic interventions are: taking the physical complaints seriously; showing the patient that you understand their helplessness, disappointment, and anger; and exploring the subjective symptom beliefs. A three-stage model for intervention, including a stepped-care approach, is advised.