Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)
Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems functioning. The individual has excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors relating to the physical symptoms.
The physical symptoms may or may not be associated with a diagnosed medical condition, but the person is experiencing symptoms and believes they are sick (that is, not faking the illness).
It is important to note that a person is not diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder solely because a medical cause can’t be identified for a physical symptom. The emphasis is on the extent to which the thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to the illness are excessive or out of proportion.
Somatic Symptom Disorder resources
Treatment for Somatic Symptom Disorder typically involves a combination of therapies including:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients learn to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to their symptoms.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms of distress.
- Medical Management: if underlying conditions are present, they will be treated appropriately.
Psychoeducation for SSD can help patients their condition and improve their outcomes:
- Explain the mind-body connection: patients can learn that their physical symptoms may be made worse by anxiety or other emotional issue
- Normalize somatization: patients can learn that it’s normal to experience somatization
- Discuss the role of stress: patients can learn about the physiology of stress and how it affects the body
- Explain brain pathways: patients can learn about the brain pathways that are involved with pain.
- Discuss the benefits of healthy habits: patients can learn about the scientific benefits of exercise and a healthy diet.
- Use motivational interviewing: patients can learn to use motivational interviewing techniques like open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections and summaries.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can be beneficial in treating SSD. It is recommended that SSRI prescribed would be one with minimal side effects.
It should be noted that use of first generation anti-psychotics run the risk of tardive dyskinesia, so caution should used when prescribing.
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