Somatic Symptom Disorder

About Somatic Symptom Disorder

Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by one or more physical symptoms that are distressing or disrupt daily life, together with excessive thoughts, feelings or behaviors related to those symptoms. These can include persistent thoughts about the seriousness of symptoms, a persistently high level of anxiety about health, or excessive time and energy devoted to symptoms or health concerns. The symptoms may or may not be associated with a diagnosed medical condition, and the diagnosis does not imply that they are imagined; the focus is on the degree of distress and the response to symptoms, which typically persist for more than six months. DSM-5 introduced the diagnosis in 2013, replacing several earlier categories, including somatization disorder and part of hypochondriasis, and moving away from an emphasis on medically unexplained symptoms. A specifier notes when pain is the predominant symptom. The condition often co occurs with anxiety and depression, and people may have frequent medical visits and tests that do not relieve their concern. Management generally emphasizes a consistent relationship with a primary care clinician, regularly scheduled visits rather than visits only when symptoms worsen, avoidance of unnecessary tests, and acknowledgment that the symptoms are real. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness based approaches have evidence for reducing distress, and antidepressants are sometimes used.