A
somatic symptom disorder, formerly known as a
somatoform disorder,
[1][2][3] is a
mental disorder characterized by physical symptoms that suggest
physical illness or injury – symptoms that cannot be explained fully by a general medical condition or by the direct effect of a substance, and are not attributable to another mental disorder (e.g.,
panic disorder).
[4]
In people who have a somatic symptom disorder, medical test results are either normal or do not explain the person's symptoms, and history and physical examination do not indicate the presence of a medical condition that could cause them. Patients with this disorder often become worried about their health because doctors are unable to find a cause for their symptoms. This may cause severe distress. Preoccupation with the symptoms may portray a patient's exaggerated belief in the severity of their ill-health.
[5]
Symptoms are sometimes similar to those of other illnesses and may last for several years. Usually, the symptoms begin appearing during adolescence, and patients are diagnosed before the age of 30 years.
[6] Symptoms may occur across cultures and gender.
[6] Other common symptoms include anxiety and depression.
[6] An individual with somatic symptom disorder might experience legitimate physiological changes (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure) presented as interpretations of their symptoms.
[7]
A diagnoses of somatic symptom disorder requires that the subject have recurring somatic complaints for at least six months.
[