Somatic symptom disorder
Somatic symptom disorder, also known as somatoform disorder, is defined by one or more chronic physical symptoms that coincide with excessive and maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connected to those symptoms. The symptoms are not purposefully produced or feigned, and they may or may not coexist with a known medical ailment.
| Somatic symptom disorder | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Somatoform disorder |
| Specialty | Psychiatry, psychology |
| Symptoms | Maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to chronic physical symptoms. |
| Complications | Reduced functioning, unemployment, financial stress, and interpersonal difficulties. |
| Usual onset | Often begins in childhood, however, onset is variable. |
| Duration | At least 6 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, and psychosocial stressors. |
| Diagnostic method | Psychiatric assessment. |
| Differential diagnosis | Adjustment disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, conversion disorder, and illness anxiety disorder. |
| Treatment | Cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychiatric medication, and brief psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy. |
| Medication | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. |
| Prognosis | Often chronic but can be managed with the proper treatment. |
| Frequency | About 13–23% of the general population. |
Manifestations of somatic symptom disorder are variable; symptoms can be widespread, specific, and often fluctuate. Somatic symptom disorder corresponds to the way an individual views and reacts to symptoms as rather than the symptoms themselves. Somatic symptom disorder may develop in those who suffer from an existing chronic illness or medical condition.
Several studies have found a high rate of comorbidity with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias. Somatic symptom disorder is frequently associated with functional pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and IBS. Somatic symptom disorder typically leads to poor functioning, interpersonal issues, unemployment or problems at work, and financial strain as a result of excessive health-care visits.
The cause of somatic symptom disorder is unknown; however, somatic symptoms may result from a heightened awareness of specific physical sensations paired with a tendency to interpret these experiences as signs of a medical ailment.