Sometimes in our lives when we are under tremendous pressure or are very anxious about something, we tend to experience walking around in a daze. We have people around us who always complain about feeling sick even if all of their medical tests turn out to be normal.
Both of the above-mentioned examples point out mild symptoms of somatoform which are experienced by everyone at some point in their lives. However, if these symptoms become severe and frequent adding to a great amount of mental distress in one’s life it means that it has become a disorder.
What is a Somatic symptom disorder?
Somatic symptom disorder is when a person extremely focuses on physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue which builds up emotional distress and anxiety. One would not have been diagnosed with a physical problem but he/she still thinks of the problem as adding to their stress.
One often tends to consult with many doctors for the answer regarding his/her mild symptoms always thinking of the worst-case scenario even if the diagnosis has come out to be normal. These health concerns become the everyday routine in one’s life making them practically handicapped in doing something else in life.
Symptoms Of Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder are as follows:
- A few sensations, such as discomfort or breathlessness are observed. A few direct symptoms like fatigue or weakness are also seen regularly.
- Conditions that are not related to any identified medical issues are observed or even conditions related to diseases like cancer or even heart disease can also be observed.
- Symptoms can be single or varying.
- The severity of the symptoms keeps on changing from person to person depending on their immunity and mental condition.
Pain is a very common problem in most diseases, but barring the pain, you have extreme feelings or behaviors connected to pain, which causes noteworthy difficulties, and makes it problematic to work. Constant worry about potential illness
Following are a few noteworthy observations about the extreme feelings
- Seeing usual bodily feelings as a symbol of a big physical sickness.
- Dreading that the signs are severe, even when there is no proof.
- Thinking that bodily feelings are intimidating or damaging
- Feel that the medicinal assessment has not been conducted systematically.
- Fearing that physical activity may cause damage to your body
- Frequently monitoring your physical for anomalies
- Frequent health care visits that don’t relieve your concerns or that make them worse
Disorders Related to Somatic Symptom Disorder
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and distressing physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition or injury. People with SSD are often preoccupied with their symptoms and may experience significant distress and impairment in their daily lives.
There are several disorders related to SSD, including:
- Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria): This disorder involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance that there is no underlying medical condition.
- Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder): This disorder involves physical symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or blindness, that cannot be explained by a medical condition and are thought to be related to psychological or emotional stress.
- Pain Disorder: This disorder involves persistent pain not due to a medical condition or injury and is associated with significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder: This disorder involves excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance that are not noticeable to others or are minor.
- Factitious Disorder: This disorder involves the intentional production or exaggeration of physical symptoms for the purpose of attracting attention or receiving medical treatment.
These related disorders share some common features with SSD, including persistent and distressing physical symptoms, significant impairment in daily functioning, and a high degree of psychological distress. Effective treatment for SSD and related disorders typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Somatic Symptom Disorder DSM-5
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a condition described in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) as a type of mental disorder characterized by excessive and distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to one or more somatic (bodily) symptoms.
These symptoms can include pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and others, and can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. To be diagnosed with SSD, the symptoms must not be fully explained by a medical condition and must persist for at least six months.
The severity of SSD can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Treatment for SSD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, and may also include physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to address underlying medical conditions.
Somatic Symptom Disorder vs. Illness Anxiety Disorder
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) and Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), also known as Hypochondriasis, are two mental health conditions that involve excessive worry about health and physical symptoms. However, there are some key differences between the two.
SSD is characterized by significant distress and functional impairment caused by the presence of one or more somatic symptoms. The individual may have an exaggerated belief about the severity of their symptoms and the fear that they have a serious medical condition, despite a lack of evidence to support this belief.
IAD, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive and persistent worry about having a serious illness, even in the absence of any somatic symptoms or medical evidence. The individual may have multiple medical evaluations and tests without finding any underlying medical condition to explain their symptoms.
In summary, while both SSD and IAD involve excessive worry about physical symptoms, SSD is characterized by the presence of actual symptoms, while IAD is characterized by the excessive fear of having a serious illness without any actual symptoms.
Treatment for both conditions typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, and may also include physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to address underlying medical conditions.
Somatic Symptom Disorder vs. hypochondriasis
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) and Hypochondriasis (now referred to as Illness Anxiety Disorder in the DSM-5) are two mental health conditions that involve excessive worry about physical symptoms. However, there are some key differences between the two.
SSD is characterized by significant distress and functional impairment caused by the presence of one or more somatic symptoms. The individual may have an exaggerated belief about the severity of their symptoms and the fear that they have a serious medical condition, despite a lack of evidence to support this belief.
Hypochondriasis, or Illness Anxiety Disorder, is characterized by excessive and persistent worry about having a serious illness, even in the absence of any somatic symptoms or medical evidence. The individual may have multiple medical evaluations and tests without finding any underlying medical condition to explain their symptoms.
In summary, while both SSD and Illness Anxiety Disorder involve excessive worry about physical symptoms, SSD is characterized by the presence of actual symptoms, while Illness Anxiety Disorder is characterized by the excessive fear of having a serious illness without any actual symptoms.
Treatment for both conditions typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, and may also include physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to address underlying medical conditions.
What is Somatic Symptom Disorder Treatment?
The treatment for somatic symptom disorder is meant to help the patients take control of the various symptoms that they face daily. Adding to this it also helps the person to function in a very normal way without any anxiety and fear.
The stages of the treatment involve the person having regular visits with a therapist or a psychologist. They usually provide emotional support and reassurance to the patient, look after their health condition, and guide them in a way so that they avoid unnecessary tests out of fear.
The Therapist also teaches the patients how to cope with the various symptoms and pain they go through regularly, and maybe find a way for them to live with those symptoms and still function normally.
In a somatic symptom disorder, more vital than the symptoms one experiences is the way you understand and respond to the signs and how they influence your everyday life.
Therapy & Counselling For Somatic Symptom Disorders
Are you experiencing physical symptoms with no clear medical cause? You may be struggling with a Somatic Symptom Disorder. Our therapy program can help. Our team of experts specializes in treating the mind-body connection and helping you manage symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and more.
With a personalized approach, we’ll work together to identify the root cause of your symptoms and develop a plan to bring you relief. Take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Book a consultation today and start your journey to healing.