Somatic symptom disorder

Somatic symptom disorder
Somatic symptom disorder
Specialty	Psychiatry, psychology
Symptoms	Maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to chronic physical symptoms
Complications	Reduced functioning, unemployment, financial stress, interpersonal difficulties
Usual onset	Childhood
Duration	At least six months
Causes	Heightened awareness of bodily sensations and the tendency to misinterpret bodily sensations
Risk factors	Childhood neglect and abuse, chaotic lifestyle, history of substance and alcohol abuse, psychosocial and biopsychosocial stressors
Diagnostic method	Physical exam, Psychiatric assessment
Differential diagnosis	Adjustment disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, hypochondriasis
Treatment	Cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, interpersonal psychotherapy
Medication	Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
Prognosis	Often chronic, but can be managed with the proper treatment
Frequency	About 13–23% of the general population

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a mental health condition characterised by an excessive focus on physical symptoms—such as pain or shortness of breath—that cause significant distress or impairment. Individuals with SSD experience disproportionate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to their symptoms. The symptoms themselves are not deliberately produced or feigned (as they are in malingering and factitious disorders), and their underlying cause—whether organic, psychogenic or unexplained—is irrelevant to the diagnosis.

Manifestations of somatic symptom disorder are variable; symptoms can be widespread, specific, and often fluctuate. Somatic symptom disorder corresponds to how an individual views and reacts to symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves, and it can develop in the setting of existing chronic illness or newly onset conditions.

Several studies have found a high frequency of comorbidity with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias. Somatic symptom disorder is frequently associated with functional pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Somatic symptom disorder typically leads to poor overall functioning, interpersonal issues, unemployment or problems at work, and financial strain as a result.

The etiology of somatic symptom disorder is unknown. Symptoms may result from a heightened awareness of specific physical sensations alongside health anxiety. There is some controversy surrounding the diagnosis, since symptom perception and response are inherently subjective, and may depend on the clinician's interpretation. Additionally, people with known physical illnesses can sometimes be misdiagnosed with it.