Somatoform Disorder (SFD) is a condition that arises when individuals experience excessive anxiety in response to physical symptoms such as fatigue or pain. The individual harbors intense emotions and thoughts regarding these symptoms, which affect his daily life, and exhibits excessive behaviors. A person with SSC does not actually feign these symptoms. In other words, his pain and other problems are real. This condition may also stem from a medical problem. However, it is generally not caused by a physical cause. The main issue here is the excessive reaction to and behavior toward the symptoms.
What Is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
The term “soma,” meaning “body” in ancient Greek, refers to a group of mental health disorders characterized by various physical complaints and symptoms. Somatic symptom disorders are defined as conditions in which, despite physical examinations and diagnostic tests, no explainable physical illness can be found in the individual, or, even if a disease is diagnosed, it does not correspond to the person’s complaints. According to research, the prevalence of somatic symptom disorders is as low as 1 percent. However, it is believed that this rate is higher in Turkey due to cultural factors.
Mood and anxiety disorders are frequently observed in individuals with somatic symptom disorders. The first symptoms of this condition, which most often appear during adolescence, are diagnosed in 22% of first-degree relatives. Additionally, SSB is more common in women than in men.
Individuals with SSD are generally pessimistic due to genetic or environmental factors. They may come to believe that these symptoms are not real, which can lead to even greater distress; therefore, it is crucial for them to seek support from a specialist psychiatrist. Additionally, for a diagnosis of SSD to be made, the symptoms must be affecting various areas of life—such as work, family, social circles, and school—as well as interpersonal relationships.
What Causes Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Somatic Symptom Disorder usually begins before the age of 30. The cause of this condition, which is more common in women than in men, is still unknown. However, certain factors are thought to trigger it. Namely:
- Having a negative personality and outlook,
- Being overly sensitive—both physically and emotionally—to pain or other emotions,
- Factors related to upbringing,
- Genetic factors. Individuals with a history of physical or sexual abuse are at very high risk of developing this disorder.
It is possible for individuals with somatic symptom disorder to have experienced a traumatic event in their past and for their condition to worsen as they try to cope with it. For this reason, it is essential to thoroughly analyze prolonged negative situations and seek support from a specialist doctor.
This disorder is generally similar to an anxiety disorder. In anxiety as well, there is excessive worry about becoming ill or suffering from a serious condition. At a certain point, individuals begin to expect that they will become ill. However, unlike SSD, physical symptoms are either absent or very minimal.
What Are the Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder?
People with Somatic Symptom Disorder are preoccupied with physical symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, and weakness. Even though no medical condition has been diagnosed, or even though the doctor has assured them that no health issue is responsible for the symptoms, they do not believe it. They may even experience significant stress, believing that the doctor and those around them think the symptoms are not real.
The underlying cause of somatic symptom disorder is psychological. Individuals with this condition may believe they are experiencing physical pain and seek help from various medical specialties; however, since the problem is usually psychological rather than physical, general practitioners typically refer such patients to a psychiatrist.
The primary symptom of somatic symptom disorder is the belief that physical symptoms are actually caused by a medical condition that does not exist. Symptoms vary from patient to patient.
However, the general symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Symptoms unrelated to any known medical condition
- Symptoms associated with a known medical condition but that are much more severe than they should be
- Constant and intense anxiety about a possible illness
- Believing that normal physical symptoms are signs of illness
- Feeling extremely anxious even in response to minor issues like sneezing or a runny nose
- Believing that the doctor is not providing appropriate treatment
- Worrying that physical activities will harm the body
- Getting examined over and over again for any symptom of a possible illness
- Failing to respond to medical treatment
- Being overly sensitive to the side effects of prescribed medications
- Patients with SSC generally believe they have a real medical condition. For this reason, it can be difficult to distinguish SSC from a genuine medical condition that requires treatment.
What Are the Types of Somatic Symptom Disorder?
- Factitious Disorder
- Conversion disorder
- Pain disorder
- Hypochondriasis (illness anxiety disorder)
How Is Somatic Symptom Disorder Treated?
Psychotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of somatic symptom disorders. It helps patients cope with their physical discomfort and enables them to carry out their daily activities. The elements of therapy can be listed as follows:
- Gently challenging the body despite the discomfort and focusing on the problem
- Helping the patient modify his physical activities; relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, etc.
Medications can also be helpful in the treatment of somatic symptom disorder under certain conditions. The psychiatrist will work with the patient to determine whether medication is necessary and, if so, which medication to use.
What Is the Difference Between Hypochondriasis and Somatization Disorder?
Hypochondriasis, or “disease anxiety,” is a psychological disorder characterized by a person’s fear and anxiety that he has or will develop a serious illness as a result of misinterpreting bodily symptoms, and an inability to overcome these thoughts despite medical evaluations and reassurances.
Hypochondriasis is classified as a somatic symptom disorder.
