Somatic Symptom Disorder: Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a mental health condition that involves bodily symptoms, such as pain and fatigue.

However, the symptoms are often not traceable to a physical cause, and cannot be attributed to substance abuse or any other medical condition. Therefore, the pain is seemingly unexplainable.

But the pain is present and causes the individual distress, resulting in functional impairment. It is common for someone with SSD to have an anxiety disorder too, with fear and excessive worry also associated with SSD.

SSD typically lasts for years when left untreated, but treatment is available. SSD was formerly known as ‘Somatisation Disorder’ and ‘Somatoform Disorder’.

What are the symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The symptoms of SSD can range from person-to-person, though some are consistently found across multiple cases. Symptoms need to be present for at least six months to meet the diagnostic criteria for SSD.

Symptoms normally manifest themselves as physical complaints, though will be accompanied by psychological symptoms too.

Physical

• Pain (in any part of the body)
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Sexual problems

Psychological

• Having a preoccupation with symptoms – spending excessive amounts of time thinking and addressing these symptoms. This causes significant impairment, interfering with day-to-day functioning
• Be seen as a ‘hypochondriac’
• Believing symptoms are severe – seen as being out of proportion
• Significantly worrying about future health problems
• Not aware that a mental health condition is present
• May exhibit signs of Depression due to beliefs
• Suicidal ideation

These symptoms will typically lead to a change in the behaviour of an individual. They may be unwilling to do anything, as their pain may inhibit them. They will often think others don’t believe them, and it is common for them to change doctors regularly.

When seeing Doctors, they will often attempt to have multiple tests performed on them. It is common for someone with SSD to become dependent on someone else.

It is important to note that these symptoms will persist even after physical disorders have been ruled out as being the cause. This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms.

What are the causes of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

It isn’t entirely known what causes SSD. Similarly, it isn’t known why some people suffer from certain types of Somatic Disorders and not others. It is likely that multiple factors contribute to the onset of SSD.

Upbringing may be an important factor. Having parents that were overprotective may lead to any pain being dealt with in a way that seems preposterous to an outsider.

Genetics also may be an issue, with SSD possibly running in families, or at least operating as a risk factor.

Those who witness the flailing health of a family member or friend may have SSD triggered – with the person becoming overly frightened that the same fate may befall them.

Similarly, those who begin approaching the age of their parent’s death may become worried that their death is imminent, and therefore react irrationally to the onset of any symptom.

As with many other mental health conditions, Loneliness may also be a factor. In fact, some research suggests there is a particularly strong correlation between loneliness and SSD [1].

Finally, any pandemic that is sensationalised in the media can cause undue worry – and may lead to an individual to become afraid of any possible symptom.

It is often a range of factors that appear to lead to the onset of SSD. It appears there are several possible risk factors and triggers. SSD is something that has baffled researchers for a significant time – there doesn’t appear to be a set answer.

Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder

It is important for anyone who believes they are suffering from SSD or any other condition, to see a Doctor or mental health professional. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose SSD. In any case, the starting point is to see a Doctor.

At an appointment, a Doctor will attempt to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s symptoms and the effect they are having on their life.

A range of medical tests or other laboratory tests may be carried out in an attempt to find the cause of the symptoms. If there appears to be no physical cause of the symptoms, it is likely that SSD is present.

In terms of the actual symptoms, for SSD to be diagnosed, a patient will satisfy the following criteria:

• Symptoms the individual suffers from causes them to worry excessively
• The symptoms disrupt the day-to-day life of the individual
• Spend a significant amount of time thinking about the severity of symptoms
• Are very anxious about the symptoms and their overall health
• Symptoms have been present for at least six months

In order to assist the diagnosis, the Somatic Symptom Scale 8 (SSS-8) questionnaire can sometimes be used. Once a patient has a diagnosis, treatment can begin.

How is Somatic Symptom Disorder treated?

SSD can be treated and in many cases, a full recovery is possible. Someone with this condition will normally be referred to an external service for treatment to be carried out.

Treatment normally involves talking therapy, and if required – medication. This is dependent of course on individual circumstances.

Talking Therapy

Some form of talking therapy is predominantly used to treat SSD. There are a range of therapies that can be useful – normally being used with the effort of getting an individual to think and process their thoughts, emotions and feelings in a healthier way.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions. CBT involves an individual talking face-to-face with a therapist, although sometimes CBT can be conducted in a group setting. CBT attempts to improve an individual’s wellbeing and mood. The therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. This can be useful for those with low self-esteem, anxiety, unhelpful personality traits or intrusive thoughts. CBT can help an individual understand their feelings more, and in the long run should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy: Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy is a talking therapy that aims to help uncover and resolve unconscious beliefs that cause psychiatric conditions. Traumatic experiences that may or may not be buried in the unconscious mind can be highlighted and processed. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy involves talking to a trained therapist. The therapist can show the individual how early memories and past traumas have affected their thinking, behaviour and attitude in the modern day. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy is especially useful for any condition that involves past trauma. Renowned neurologist Sigmund Freud developed this therapy, which is typically completed over a long-term basis.

There are a wide range of other types of talking therapies available. Therapy can help in multiple ways, which we explore more in this article. We have more therapy-based information on our Therapy section.

Medication

If an individual is exhibiting low mood due to their symptoms, or a high level of anxiety, it may be necessary for an antidepressant to be prescribed.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve and regulate mood. They should improve motivation and restore energy. SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed. They act on the brain chemical serotonin – which is thought to help in regulating mood and emotion. They may include side-effects such as a dry mouth, sexual problems and nausea, though these should hopefully be short-term. Other classes of antidepressants are available in the event of an inadequate reaction.

Summary

Somatic Symptom Disorder is a condition which has confused many people. But it is a real condition and seeking treatment is important.

The aim is for a full recovery and a better standard of wellbeing being attained. For more information on mental health, visit our homepage here.

See Also

• Somatic Disorders Section
• What is the Prognosis for Somatic Disorders?
• Therapy Homepage
• Medicine Homepage