What Is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Complications Of SSD

Somatic symptom disorder in patients is also associated with numerous potential complications, which can significantly worsen the condition when left unchecked. These complications include having problems with a significant other, family, or friends; issues affecting the workplace and professional relationships; financial problems, often the result of an increased number of health care visits; poor physical or mental health; and an increased risk of committing suicide. These potential complications make it important to receive swift and proper treatment for SSD as soon as it is diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosing SSD

The doctor will run a series of physical exams and other tests to accurately diagnose SSD. These tests may also reveal health conditions requiring treatment. As part of the tests, the primary doctor will often refer the patient to a mental health professional, who will conduct a full psychological evaluation to discuss the symptoms the patient is experiencing, as well as assessing other influencing factors, such as relationship issues, fears, and family medical history of the condition. Mental health professionals will often require the patient fills out a questionnaire as part of this assessment, and ask about potential substance abuse.

An SSD diagnosis requires the three elements as detailed for SSD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The patient must present one or more somatic symptoms that are either significantly distressing or cause issues in daily life; must exhibit persistent and obsessive thoughts or feelings about the symptoms and their severity, including heightened anxiety about health; and the symptoms must continue for six months or more, even if they vary.