What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a type of mental disorder that is characterized by excessive preoccupation and worry about one or more somatic/physical symptoms,  such as pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues, that may not be explained by a medical condition. This preoccupation and anxiety can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

SSD was previously known as somatoform disorder, but the criteria for diagnosis have changed under the updated classification of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and it is now considered a somatic symptom disorder.

People with SSD may go through extensive medical evaluations and treatments to find a cause for their symptoms, but the symptoms are not fully explained by a general medical condition. They may also experience maladaptive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and a high level of health anxiety, which are related to the symptoms.

Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) can vary depending on the individual, but some common symptoms include:

• • • Excessive worry and stress over one or more somatic symptoms may not have a clear cause.
    • Experiencing significant anxiety about physical symptoms, causing distress and making it hard to carry out daily activities.
    • Maladaptive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions related to the symptoms.
    • A tendency to seek multiple medical evaluations and treatments for somatic symptoms.
    • Symptoms that are not explained by a medical condition or by the effects of a substance.
    • Avoidance of activities or situations due to the fear of experiencing symptoms or causing worsening of the symptoms.
    • The disproportionate level of attention and focus on the physical symptoms.
    • Difficulty in accepting medical explanations for the symptoms

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and conversion disorder are related, but they are not the same. Conversion disorder is a form of somatoform disorder, which is a condition in which psychological stress is expressed through physical symptoms. It is characterized by the presence of one or more sensory functions that cannot be explained fully by a general medical condition. On the other hand, somatic symptom disorder (SSD), is a condition characterized by excessive preoccupation and anxiety about physical symptoms, which can lead to maladaptive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and a high level of health anxiety, which are related to the symptoms. In summary, conversion disorder is a subtype of somatoform disorder.

If you want to read more about conversion disorder, visit our website here.

Treatment for somatic symptom disorder aims to reduce symptoms and recover normal function. 

• • Psychotherapy: The primary treatment for SSD is psychotherapy, specifically a type of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change thoughts and behaviors related to somatic symptoms, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving overall functioning.
  • Medications: Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications would be prescribed to help reduce the common symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties associated with SSD.
  • Coordination with medical care: It is important for individuals with SSD to have coordinated care with a general practitioner or specialists to eliminate any underlying medical conditions and to ensure that the individual is not receiving unnecessary medical treatments.
  • Mind-body techniques: Yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be valuable in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and other physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue.
  • Supportive therapy: Supportive therapy, such as support groups, education about somatic symptom disorder, and other resources to assist individuals in coping with symptoms and improving their overall quality of life.