Somatic symptom disorder

Somatic symptom disorder
Other namesSomatoform disorder, somatization disorder
SpecialtyPsychiatry, psychology
SymptomsMaladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to chronic physical symptoms.[1]
ComplicationsReduced functioning, unemployment, financial stress, and interpersonal difficulties.
Usual onsetOften, not always, begins in childhood.[2]
DurationAt least six months.[3]
CausesHeightened awareness of bodily sensations and the tendency to misinterpret bodily sensations.[4]
Risk factorsChildhood neglect and abuse, chaotic lifestyle, history of substance and alcohol abuse, and psychosocial stressors.[5]
Diagnostic methodPsychiatric assessment.[2]
Differential diagnosisAdjustment disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, conversion disorder, and illness anxiety disorder.[2]
TreatmentCognitive-behavioral therapy,[6] psychiatric medication, and brief psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy.[7]
MedicationSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.[6]
PrognosisOften chronic but can be managed with the proper treatment.[2]
FrequencyAbout 13–23% of the general population.[8]

Somatic symptom disorder, also known as somatoform disorder, or somatization disorder, is defined by one or more chronic physical symptoms that 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.[1]

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.[9]

Several studies have found a high rate of comorbidity with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias.[10] Somatic symptom disorder is frequently associated with functional pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and IBS.[11] Somatic symptom disorder typically leads to poor functioning, interpersonal issues, unemployment or problems at work, and financial strain as a result of excessive health-care visits.[9]

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.[2] The diagnosis is controversial, as people with a medical illness can be mislabeled as mentally ill. This is especially true for women, who are more often dismissed when they present with physical symptoms.[12]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference merck was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference StatPearls was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 ed.). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association. 2013. pp. 354–372. ISBN 978-0-89042-555-8.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference afp was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference personality was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b Somashekar, Bettahalasoor; Jainer, Ashok; Wuntakal, Balaji (February 2013). "Psychopharmacotherapy of somatic symptoms disorders". International Review of Psychiatry. 25 (1): 107–115. doi:10.3109/09540261.2012.729758. ISSN 0954-0261. PMID 23383672. S2CID 25646632.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference PIT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Sauer, Karoline S.; Witthöft, Michael; Rief, Winfried (2023). "Somatic Symptom Disorder and Health Anxiety". Neurologic Clinics. 41 (4). Elsevier BV: 745–758. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2023.02.009. ISSN 0733-8619. PMID 37775202. S2CID 258266448.
  9. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference mayo was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Brown, F. W.; Golding, J. M.; Smith, G. R. (July 1990). "Psychiatric comorbidity in primary care somatization disorder". Psychosomatic Medicine. 52 (4): 445–451. doi:10.1097/00006842-199007000-00006. ISSN 0033-3174. PMID 2399295. S2CID 30954374.
  11. ^ Häuser, Winfried; Bialas, Patric; Welsch, Katja; Wolfe, Frederick (June 2015). "Construct validity and clinical utility of current research criteria of DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder diagnosis in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome". Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 78 (6): 546–552. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2015.03.151. ISSN 1879-1360. PMID 25864805.
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference Frances A 2013 f1580 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).