(See also Overview of Somatization Overview of Somatization Somatization is the expression of mental phenomena as physical (somatic) symptoms. Disorders characterized by somatization extend in a continuum from those in which symptoms develop unconsciously... read more .)
Some previously distinct somatic disorders—somatization disorder, undifferentiated somatoform disorder, illness anxiety disorder Illness Anxiety Disorder Illness anxiety disorder is preoccupation with and fear of having or acquiring a serious disorder. Diagnosis is confirmed when fears and symptoms (if any) persist for ≥ 6 months despite reassurance... read more , and somatoform pain disorder—are now considered somatic symptom disorders. All have common features, including somatization—the expression of mental phenomena as physical (somatic) symptoms.
The symptoms may or may not be associated with another medical problem; symptoms no longer have to be medically unexplained but are characterized by the patient having disproportionately excessive thoughts, feelings and concerns about them. Sometimes the symptoms are normal body sensations or discomfort that do not signify a serious disorder.
Patients are commonly unaware of their underlying psychiatric issue and believe that they have physical ailments, so they typically continue to pressure physicians for additional or repeated tests and treatments even after results of a thorough evaluation have been negative.
Symptoms and Signs of Somatic Symptom Disorder
Recurring physical complaints usually begin before age 30; most patients have multiple somatic symptoms, but some have only one severe symptom, typically pain. Severity may fluctuate, but symptoms persist and rarely remit for any extended period. The symptoms themselves or excessive worry about them is distressing or disrupts daily life. Some patients become overtly depressed.
When somatic symptom disorder accompanies another medical disorder, patients overrespond to the implications of the medical disorder; for example, patients who have had complete physical recovery from an uncomplicated myocardial infarction (MI) may continue to behave as invalids or constantly worry about having another MI.
Whether or not symptoms are related to another medical disorder, patients worry excessively about the symptoms and their possible catastrophic consequences and are very difficult to reassure. Attempts at reassurance are often interpreted as the physician not taking their symptoms seriously.
Health concerns often assume a central and sometimes all-consuming role in a patient's life. Patients are very anxious about their health and frequently seem unusually sensitive to adverse drug effects.
Any body part may be affected, and specific symptoms and their frequency vary among cultures.
Whatever the manifestations, the essence of somatic symptom disorder is the patient's excessive or maladaptive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors in response to the symptoms.
Patients may become dependent on others, demanding help and emotional support and becoming angry when they feel their needs are not met. They may also threaten or attempt suicide. Often dissatisfied with their medical care, they typically go from one physician to another or seek treatment from several physicians concurrently.
The intensity and persistence of symptoms may reflect a strong desire to be cared for. Symptoms may help patients avoid responsibilities but may also prevent pleasure and act as punishment, suggesting underlying feelings of unworthiness and guilt.
Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder
Usually clinical criteria
Symptoms must be distressing or disruptive of daily life for > 6 months and be associated with at least one of the following:
Disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of the symptoms
Persistently high anxiety about health or the symptoms
Excessive time and energy spent on the symptoms or health concerns
At first presentation, physicians take an extensive history (sometimes conferring with family members) and do a thorough examination and often testing to determine whether a physical disorder is the cause. Because patients with somatic symptom disorder may subsequently develop physical disorders, appropriate examinations and tests should also be done when symptoms change significantly or when objective signs develop. However, once a medical disorder has clearly been excluded or a mild disorder has been identified and treated, physicians should avoid repeating tests; patients are rarely reassured by negative test results and may interpret continued testing as confirmation that the physician is uncertain the diagnosis is benign.
Pearls & Pitfalls
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Illness anxiety disorder Illness Anxiety Disorder Illness anxiety disorder is preoccupation with and fear of having or acquiring a serious disorder. Diagnosis is confirmed when fears and symptoms (if any) persist for ≥ 6 months despite reassurance... read more has similar manifestations except that physical symptoms are absent or minimal. Somatic symptom disorder is distinguished from generalized anxiety disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about a number of activities or events that is present more days than not for ≥ 6 months. The cause is unknown, although... read more , functional neurological symptom disorder Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder Functional neurological symptom disorder, previously known as conversion disorder, consists of neurologic symptoms or deficits that develop unconsciously and nonvolitionally and usually involve... read more , and major depression Major depression (unipolar disorder) Depressive disorders are characterized by sadness severe enough or persistent enough to interfere with function and often by decreased interest or pleasure in activities. Exact cause is unknown... read more by the predominance, multiplicity, and persistence of physical symptoms and the accompanying excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Treatment of Somatic Symptom Disorder
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Patients, even those who have a satisfactory relationship with a primary physician, are commonly referred to a psychiatrist. Pharmacologic treatment of concurrent mental disorders (eg, depression) may help; however, the primary intervention is psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Patients also benefit from having a supportive relationship with a primary care physician, who coordinates all of their health care, offers symptomatic relief, sees them regularly, and protects them from unnecessary tests and procedures.
