Everyone feels physical pain and discomfort from time to time. But what happens when those physical symptoms persist—without a clear medical explanation—and start to interfere with your life? This is the reality for people with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), a mental health condition where emotional distress is expressed through physical symptoms.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what Somatic Symptom Disorder is, its causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage it effectively.
What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by excessive focus on physical symptoms—such as pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues—that cause significant distress or problems functioning. These symptoms are real to the person experiencing them, even if they can’t be fully explained by medical conditions.
SSD replaces what was previously known as somatoform disorder in earlier diagnostic manuals. It’s important to understand that this is not a case of “faking it.” People with SSD genuinely feel physical symptoms; the problem lies in how the brain interprets and responds to these sensations.
Key Features of SSD
One or more physical symptoms (pain, fatigue, etc.) that are distressing.
Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms.
The symptoms persist for more than 6 months, even if the specific symptoms change.
Disproportionate worry about health, often leading to repeated doctor visits.
SSD often overlaps with conditions like illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis), but the focus in SSD is more on the actual symptoms than fear of a disease.
Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder
SSD manifests through a variety of physical complaints. These symptoms may vary in intensity and location, and may come and go—but the anxiety and focus on them remains persistent.
Common Physical Symptoms:
Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, joint pain)
Fatigue or weakness
Nausea, bloating, or stomach pain
Palpitations or chest pain
Dizziness or fainting
Menstrual or sexual dysfunction
Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms:
Excessive worry about the seriousness of symptoms
Frequent doctor visits or medical tests
Health-related anxiety
Seeking reassurance repeatedly
Difficulty accepting negative test results
Depression or irritability due to the physical distress
Who is Affected?
SSD can affect anyone, but some groups are more at risk:
Risk Factors:
Women are more commonly affected than men.
History of childhood trauma or abuse.
Family history of chronic illness or mental health issues.
Personality traits such as negativity or emotional instability.
Existing medical conditions that have caused anxiety.
SSD often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also affect older adults, especially those dealing with multiple health issues.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The exact cause of Somatic Symptom Disorder is not fully understood, but it’s believed to result from a combination of:
1. Biological Factors
Sensitivity to pain or body sensations
2. Psychological Factors
Difficulty managing emotions
Tendency toward anxiety or catastrophizing
History of trauma or neglect
3. Social Factors
Over-attention to bodily symptoms by caregivers or family
Reinforcement of “sick role” behavior
Cultural norms that encourage physical expression of emotional distress
How is SSD Diagnosed?
There is no lab test or imaging study that can confirm SSD directly. Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a mental health professional.
Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5):
One or more somatic symptoms that are distressing or disrupt daily life.
Excessive thoughts or behaviors related to the symptoms:
Persistent thoughts about seriousness
High level of anxiety about health
Excessive time and energy devoted to symptoms
The condition lasts for 6 months or more.
Evaluation Steps:
Medical evaluation to rule out organic causes
Psychiatric interview to assess cognitive and emotional factors
Screening questionnaires, such as PHQ-15 (Patient Health Questionnaire)
Differential Diagnosis
It’s crucial to rule out other medical and psychological conditions that may present similarly:
Conversion disorder
Factitious disorder or malingering (intentional symptom creation)
A thorough medical workup is usually done initially to ensure nothing is missed, followed by mental health referral if necessary.
Treatment of Somatic Symptom Disorder
SSD requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medical, psychological, and sometimes pharmacological treatment.
1. Psychotherapy (Mainstay Treatment)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment:
Helps challenge negative thoughts and health-related fears
Teaches coping strategies
Reduces symptom-related anxiety and doctor-shopping behavior
2. Medication
Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs) help manage anxiety and depression
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) for chronic pain
Avoid polypharmacy unless there’s a medical indication
- Medication alone is not a cure but may complement therapy.
3. Education and Support
Help the patient understand the mind-body connection
Encourage regular follow-ups with a single provider to reduce multiple consultations
Family therapy may be helpful if loved ones reinforce sick behavior
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Healthy diet to reduce fatigue and improve mental clarity
Prognosis and Management
The prognosis of SSD varies:
Some individuals recover completely with treatment.
Others may continue to experience symptoms, but with reduced intensity and better coping skills.
The goal is not to eliminate symptoms, but to:
Reduce distress and impairment
Improve functioning and quality of life
Build resilience and emotional regulation
Myths and Misconceptions
❌ “It’s all in their head.”
✅ The symptoms are very real and distressing, even if no medical explanation exists.
❌ “People with SSD are faking.”
✅ SSD is not malingering. It’s an unconscious manifestation of emotional distress.
❌ “They just need more medical tests.”
✅ More tests often worsen anxiety and reinforce the illness belief.
When to Seek Help
You should consider seeking help if:
You have physical symptoms that persist despite medical reassurance.
Your worry about health is interfering with daily life.
You’re visiting multiple doctors without clear answers.
You feel depressed, anxious, or hopeless about your condition.
A mental health professional can help you understand your symptoms and provide tools to manage them.
Living With Somatic Symptom Disorder
Tips for Coping:
Acknowledge your symptoms without judgment.
Limit how often you check your symptoms online.
Stick to one primary care provider.
Keep a journal to track triggers and emotional responses.
Celebrate small improvements.
Engage in creative or physical outlets to divert focus from symptoms.
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we understand that physical symptoms can have complex origins. Our multidisciplinary team offers:
Comprehensive medical evaluations
Access to mental health professionals
Accurate diagnostics to rule out organic causes
Compassionate support and follow-up care
We aim to provide clarity, not confusion, so you can focus on healing and reclaiming your life.
Somatic Symptom Disorder sits at the intersection of the mind and body. It shows us that emotional pain can manifest physically—and must be addressed holistically. If you or someone you love is stuck in a cycle of unexplained symptoms, worry, and medical visits, it’s time to consider SSD as a possibility.
With the right approach, many people can learn to manage their symptoms, reduce anxiety, and return to a fulfilling life. Remember, healing starts with understanding—and support is available.
📍 Visit Sparsh Diagnostic Centre Today
🕘 Mon to Sat: 7 AM – 9 PM | Sunday: 7 AM – 3 PM
📞 Call: 9830117733 / 8335049501
🌐 www.sparshdiagnostica.com
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Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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