[Page 3279]Somatic symptom and related disorders are affected by developmental stage and, therefore, should be conceptualized from a lifespan perspective. The core cognitive features present in many of these disorders are influenced by assumptions pertaining to the impact of aging on risk of general medical conditions. As such, children and adolescents who are at lower risk for, and older adults who are at higher risk for, general medical conditions represent unique populations to consider. Specific disorders within the class of somatic symptom and related disorders vary considerably, which influences conceptualizations of the impact of aging.