Somatic symptom disorder
| Somatic symptom disorder | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Somatoform disorder, somatization 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 stressors |
| Diagnostic method | 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, also known as somatoform disorder or somatization disorder, is chronic somatization. One or more chronic physical symptoms coincide with excessive and maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connected to those symptoms. The symptoms are not deliberately produced or feigned, and they may or may not coexist with a known medical ailment.
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 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 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Somatic symptom disorder typically leads to poor functioning, interpersonal issues, unemployment or problems at work, and financial strain as a result of excessive healthcare visits.
The cause of somatic symptom disorder is unknown. 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. The diagnosis is controversial, as people with a physical illness can be misdiagnosed with it. This is especially true for girls and women, who are more often dismissed when they present with physical symptoms.