Somatic symptom disorder is described by an excessive focus on physical symptoms — such as pain or fatigue. These symptoms create significant emotional suffering and difficulties in functioning.
Somatic symptoms and associated disorders are the names for a group of conditions in which a person’s physical pain and symptoms are related to psychological factors. These signs can’t be drawn to a particular physical cause. In people with somatic symptoms, medical test results are normal or don’t explain the presenting symptoms.
People who have this disorder may have several medical evaluations to guarantee they don’t have another sickness. They become apprehensive about their health because they don’t know what’s causing their health problems. Symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and may last for several years.
All of the disorders in this category share a common feature: the perception of somatic symptoms associated with distress and impairment.
Individuals with outstanding somatic symptoms are commonly found in primary care settings rather than mental health settings.
These thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can include:
● Constant worry about potential illness
● Viewing normal physical sensations as a sign of severe physical illness ● Fearing that symptoms are serious, even when there is no evidence
● Thinking that physical sensations are threatening or harmful
● Feeling that medical evaluation and treatment have not been adequate ● Fearing that physical activity may cause damage to your body
● Repeatedly checking your body for abnormalities
● Frequent health care visits that don’t relieve your concerns or that make them worse
Symptoms
Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder may be:
● Specific sensations, such as pain or shortness of breath, or more general symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness
● Unrelated to any medical cause that can be identified, or related to a medical condition such as cancer or heart disease, but more significant than what’s usually expected
● A single symptom, multiple symptoms, or varying symptoms
● Mild, moderate, or severe
Pain is the most common symptom, but whatever your symptoms, you have excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms, which cause significant problems, make it difficult to function, and sometimes can be disabling.
For somatic symptom disorder, more important than the specific physical symptoms you experience is how you interpret and react to the symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
● People with somatic symptom disorder are distracted by their symptoms and spend excessive time on health concerns.
● Doctors diagnose this disorder when people continue to be preoccupied with their symptoms after any potential physical disorders have been ruled out.
These disorders involve somatization—or mental factors expressed as physical symptoms. In this disorder, the main concern is pain, weakness, fatigue, nausea, or other bodily sensations. The person may or may not have a medical disorder that creates these symptoms. However, when a medical disorder is present, they may respond unreasonably.
This diagnosis is used when people described physical symptoms that were not defined by a physical condition. However, the approach is questionable for several reasons:
● It is difficult to discover that there is no physical condition present.
● It is not appropriate to diagnose someone with a mental health disorder simply because doctors cannot find a physical explanation for the symptoms.
● Many people may have a physical disorder that contributes to their symptoms. Still, they react so excessively or inappropriately to it that they ultimately develop a mental health disorder.
The diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder is now based on how people react to their symptoms.
Many people with the disorder do not realize that they have a mental health disorder. They are convinced they have physical symptoms that require immediate medical care. They will typically continue to ask for additional tests and treatments even after a thorough evaluation has detected nothing or nothing seriously wrong.
Illness Anxiety Disorder
Current statistics are based on past hypochondriasis estimates and are believed to range from 1.3 to 10%. This condition may happen after the person has been ill with a mild or non-life-threatening illness. Traumatic events, abuse, neglect, or a prior serious illness may also be a risk for developing this condition.
This disorder involves a person that is preoccupied with developing an illness or getting sick –they are constantly concerned about their health. They may check themselves frequently for signs of illness and take extra cautionary measures. Formerly known as “hypochondriasis,” a person with illness anxiety disorder generally doesn’t experience symptoms.
Conversion Disorder
Conversion disorder is a condition in which symptoms affect a person’s movement and sensations with no physical symptoms or evidence. Symptoms are sudden and can last for significant periods of time. Examples may include blindness, difficulty walking or moving, or numbness. This can feel extremely frightening, resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A persistent conversion disorder is found in 2 to 5 people out of 100,000 per year.
Symptoms of conversion disorder can diminish on their own. If needed, physical therapy can be used to treat symptoms such as difficulty walking. Psychotherapy can also be helpful to identify and change thought patterns that are contributing to stress and anxiety. It can also reduce the levels of worry and any depressive symptoms present.
Factitious Disorder
This condition involves people producing symptoms of a non-existent illness. They present themselves to others as ill or impaired, although there is no evidence behind it. Factitious disorder does not correlate with any other mental disorder. The person may or may not benefit from the situation they create, such as getting out of school or work.
Other Specified Somatic Symptom and Related Disorder
This category applies to symptoms that do not classify as a clinical diagnosis but significantly impair functioning in social and occupational areas.
Somatic symptom and related disorder treatment
Although there is no known cure for somatoform disorders, they can be managed. Treatment focuses on helping the person function in daily living activities, like school or work. Medication is not typically required. Treatment can help ease symptoms, help you cope, and improve your quality of life.
Individual Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand life can be hard and can affect our emotional and mental health. We also serve those with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues, who may be religious. Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina or Utah, or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a more peaceful life.
