Hi docs, my friend showing signs of a somatoform disorder, probably serious hypochondriasis-- how to be supportive?

Tread carefully: Educate yourself. Look up these conditions to understand the person isn't "faking" it; there are psychological dimensions. Check in on your own level of frustration, try to be reassuring without being overly optimistic, avoid challenging denial or irrational beliefs, encourage appropriate use of doctors and mental health referrals, and avoid becoming burned out or overly involved, yourself.