Summary about Disease
Somatization Disorder, now primarily referred to as Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) in the DSM-5, is a mental health condition characterized by a person having a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, to the point that it causes major emotional distress and problems functioning. The individual may experience distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to these symptoms, even when medical testing reveals no apparent cause or the symptoms are not proportional to any underlying medical condition. The disorder is not about faking illness; the distress and symptoms are real to the person.
Symptoms
The key feature of Somatic Symptom Disorder is experiencing physical symptoms that are distressing and disruptive to daily life. These symptoms can be varied and affect any part of the body. Examples include:
Pain (e.g., headaches, abdominal pain, chest pain, back pain)
Fatigue or weakness
Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
Neurological symptoms (e.g., dizziness, numbness, tingling, seizures)
Cardiopulmonary symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, palpitations) In addition to the symptoms themselves, the following behaviors are common:
Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the physical symptoms.
High levels of anxiety about health or symptoms.
Spending excessive time and energy on health concerns.
Repeated medical testing and procedures, even when results are negative.
Seeking care from multiple doctors.
Catastrophic thinking about the symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause of Somatic Symptom Disorder isn't fully understood, but it's likely a combination of factors:
Genetic Predisposition: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing the disorder.
Environmental Factors: Stressful life events, trauma, or abuse can increase the risk.
Learned Behavior: Individuals may learn to focus on physical symptoms as a way to cope with emotional distress.
Cognitive Factors: Negative thinking patterns and a tendency to catastrophize about health issues can contribute.
Brain Function: Differences in brain structure and function may play a role in how people perceive and process physical sensations.
Medicine Used
There's no specific medication to "cure" Somatic Symptom Disorder. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving functioning. Medications are primarily used to address co-occurring mental health conditions:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may be prescribed if the person also has depression or anxiety.
Anxiety Medications: In some cases, anti-anxiety medications may be used, but usually avoided due to potential for dependence. It's important to note that medication is often used in conjunction with therapy.
Is Communicable
No, Somatic Symptom Disorder is not communicable. It's not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person. It's a mental health condition influenced by psychological, biological, and social factors.
Precautions
While Somatic Symptom Disorder isn't communicable, some precautions can be taken to promote overall well-being and manage the condition:
Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing) can help reduce symptom severity.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can improve overall health and resilience.
Avoid Self-Medication: Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope with symptoms, as this can worsen the condition.
Regular Medical Checkups: Continue with routine medical checkups, but work with your doctor to coordinate care and avoid unnecessary tests.
Mental Health Support: Seeking therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can provide tools and strategies for managing symptoms and improving coping skills.
Building a Strong Support System: Having supportive relationships with family and friends can provide emotional support and encouragement.
How long does an outbreak last?
Somatic Symptom Disorder is generally considered a chronic condition, meaning it can persist for a long time. There are not usually "outbreaks". The severity of symptoms can fluctuate over time, with periods of increased distress followed by periods of relative stability. Treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the person's quality of life, but the condition may not completely disappear.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder is based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It typically involves:
Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical examination is necessary to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation: A mental health professional (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed therapist) will conduct an interview to assess the person's symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
DSM-5 Criteria: The mental health professional will determine if the person meets the DSM-5 criteria for Somatic Symptom Disorder, which includes:
Having one or more somatic symptoms that are distressing or result in significant disruption of daily life.
Experiencing excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the somatic symptoms or associated health concerns, as manifested by at least one of the following:
Disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of one's symptoms.
Persistently high level of anxiety about health or symptoms.
Excessive time and energy devoted to these symptoms or health concerns.
The state of being symptomatic is persistent (typically more than 6 months).
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and timeline of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may experience symptoms from a young age, while others may develop them later in life. A possible timeline looks like this:
Childhood/Adolescence: Vague physical complaints may begin. Focus on these complaints can be learned from a family member who worries about their health.
Early Adulthood: Symptoms may become more pronounced and interfere with daily life. The person may begin seeking medical care frequently.
Middle Adulthood: The pattern of chronic symptoms, doctor shopping, and health anxiety becomes established. There may be periods of remission and exacerbation.
Later Adulthood: Symptoms may continue to be a problem, and the person may develop complications from unnecessary medical procedures or medications. It's important to note that this is just a general timeline, and the course of the disorder can vary considerably depending on individual factors and treatment.
Important Considerations
Ruling out Medical Conditions: It's crucial to rule out underlying medical conditions before diagnosing Somatic Symptom Disorder. This requires a thorough medical evaluation.
Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions: Somatic Symptom Disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and personality disorders. Addressing these co-occurring conditions is important for effective treatment.
Therapeutic Relationship: Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional is essential. The therapist can provide support, education, and guidance.
Realistic Expectations: It's important to have realistic expectations about treatment outcomes. Complete symptom resolution may not always be possible, but treatment can significantly improve the person's quality of life.
Patient Education: Educating the patient about Somatic Symptom Disorder and its treatment is crucial. This can help the person understand the condition and actively participate in their care.
Avoiding Stigma: It's important to approach Somatic Symptom Disorder with empathy and avoid stigmatizing the person. The symptoms are real to the person, and they deserve compassionate care.
Family Involvement: Involving family members in treatment can be helpful, as they can provide support and understanding.
Long-Term Management: Somatic Symptom Disorder often requires long-term management. Regular follow-up appointments with a mental health professional can help maintain progress and prevent relapse.