Somatic symptom disorder (SSD formerly known as "somatization disorder" or "somatoform disorder") is a form of mental illness that causes one or more bodily symptoms, including pain. The symptoms may or may not be traceable to a physical cause including general medical conditions, other mental illnesses, or
substance abuse. But regardless, they cause excessive and disproportionate levels of distress. The symptoms can involve one or more different organs and body systems, such as: Many people who have SSD will also have an anxiety disorder. People with SSD are not faking their symptoms. The distress
they experience from pain and other problems they experience are real, regardless of whether or not a physical explanation can be found. And the distress from symptoms significantly affects daily functioning. Doctors need to perform many tests to rule out other possible causes before diagnosing SSD. The diagnosis of SSD can create a lot of stress and frustration for patients. They may feel unsatisfied if there's no better physical explanation for their symptoms or if they are told
their level of distress about a physical illness is excessive. Stress often leads patients to become more worried about their health, and this creates a vicious cycle that can persist for years. Several conditions related to SSD are now described in psychiatry.
These include: Stress usually makes symptoms of conversion disorder worse. Treatment of Somatic Symptom DisordersPatients who experience SSD may cling to the belief that their symptoms have an underlying physical cause despite a lack of evidence for a physical explanation. Or if there is a medical condition causing their symptoms, they may not recognize that the amount of distress they are experiencing or displaying is excessive. Patients may also dismiss any suggestion that psychiatric factors are playing a role in their symptoms. A strong doctor-patient relationship is key to getting help with SSD. Seeing a single health care provider with experience managing SSD can help cut down on unnecessary tests and treatments. The focus of treatment is on improving daily functioning, not on managing symptoms. Stress reduction is often an important part of getting better. Counseling for family and friends may also be useful. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help relieve symptoms associated with SSD. The therapy focuses on correcting:
What is somatic symptom disorder? People with somatic symptom disorder obsess over physical senses and symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, or weakness. This condition has been previously called somatoform disorder or somatization disorder. It’s marked by the belief that you have a medical condition even if you haven’t been diagnosed with anything, and despite reassurances from your doctor that you have no health issue responsible for your symptoms. This can lead to major emotional stress when your doctor and those around you don’t believe that your symptoms are real. The main symptom of somatic symptom disorder is the belief that you have a medical condition, which you may not actually have. These conditions range from mild to severe and general to very specific. Additional characteristics include:
People with somatic symptom disorder genuinely believe they have a medical condition, so it can be hard to distinguish somatic symptom disorder from a real medical condition that needs treatment. However, somatic symptom disorder tends to cause an obsessive concern over symptoms that often get in the way of daily life. Researchers aren’t sure about the exact cause of somatic symptom disorder. However, it seems to be associated with:
Any of these traits, or a combination of them, can contribute to somatic symptom disorder. Over the years, researchers have identified some possible risk factors that might increase your risk of having somatic symptom disorder. These include:
Before diagnosing you with somatic symptom disorder, your doctor will start by giving you a thorough physical examination to check for any signs of a physical illness. If they don’t find any evidence of a medical condition, they’ll likely refer you to a mental health professional, who will start by asking questions about your:
They might also ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms and lifestyle. A mental health professional will focus more on how you think about your symptoms, rather than the actual symptoms themselves. You’ll likely be diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder if you:
Treating somatic symptom disorder usually involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both, to improve your quality of life and relieve anxiety over your physical health. PsychotherapyPsychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is a good first step in treating somatic symptom disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a particularly helpful form of psychotherapy for somatic symptom disorder. It involves working with a therapist to identify negative or irrational thoughts and patterns. Once you’ve identified these thoughts, your therapist will work with you to come up with ways to work through them and more effectively respond to stressful situations. You’ll also learn different ways to manage anxiety about your health, as well as any other mental health conditions, such as depression. MedicationsAntidepressant medications can also help with somatic symptom disorder and reduce anxiety. They tend to work best when combined with some form of psychotherapy. If your doctor does suggest medication, you may only need to take it temporarily. As you learn new coping tools in therapy, you may be able to gradually reduce your dosage. It’s important to know that many antidepressants cause side effects when you first start taking them. If you have somatic symptom disorder, make sure your doctor goes over all of the possible side effects with you so they don’t cause more anxiety. Keep in mind that you may have to try a few medications before you find one that works for you. Left untreated, somatic symptom disorder can lead to some complications for both your overall health and lifestyle. Constant worrying about your health can make daily activities very difficult. People with this disorder often have a hard time maintaining close relationships. For example, close friends and family members may assume you’re lying for malicious reasons. Frequent doctor’s visits about your symptoms can also lead to high medical costs and problems maintaining a regular work schedule. All of these complications can cause added stress and anxiety on top of your other symptoms. How does somatic symptom disorder affect you?Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by an extreme focus on physical symptoms — such as pain or fatigue — that causes major emotional distress and problems functioning. You may or may not have another diagnosed medical condition associated with these symptoms, but your reaction to the symptoms is not normal.
Which behavior is indicative of somatic symptom?Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) occurs when a person feels extreme, exaggerated anxiety about physical symptoms. The person has such intense thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms, that they feel they cannot do some of the activities of daily life.
How does somatic symptom disorder get diagnosed?To determine a diagnosis, you'll likely have a physical exam and any tests your doctor recommends. Your doctor or other health care provider can help determine if you have any health conditions that need treatment.
What would be most helpful to a person with somatic symptom disorder?If you have somatic symptom disorder, CBT can help you: Evaluate your feelings and beliefs about your physical symptoms and health in general. Find ways to reduce stress and anxiety about your symptoms. Stop focusing as much on your physical symptoms.
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What happens to a person when they are diagnosed with somatic symptoms disorder?
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