Somatic symptom disorder facts for kids

A somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a type of mental disorder. It causes a person to have real physical symptoms. These symptoms might feel like a physical illness or injury. However, doctors cannot find a clear physical reason for them.

These symptoms are not made up on purpose. They are also not caused by other mental health issues like panic disorder. People with SSD often worry a lot about their symptoms. This worry can be much bigger than the actual physical problem. Doctors usually diagnose SSD if these physical worries last for at least six months.

Symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. They often start when a person is a teenager. Most people are diagnosed before they turn 30. These symptoms can happen to anyone, no matter their background or gender. People with SSD might also feel anxiety or depression.

What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic symptom disorder means having physical symptoms that feel very real. But doctors cannot find a medical explanation for them. It's like your body is sending alarm signals without a clear physical danger. These symptoms can affect different parts of the body. They might include problems with nerves, heart, pain, or digestion.

How is SSD Diagnosed?

Doctors check for SSD when medical tests are normal. This means the tests don't explain the person's symptoms. A doctor will also do a physical exam. They look for any known medical conditions. But even if no physical cause is found, that's not enough for a diagnosis.

The person must also be very worried about their symptoms. This worry needs to be out of proportion to the actual physical issues. The symptoms must also happen again and again for at least six months.

Is SSD the Same as Faking It?

No, somatic symptom disorder is not about faking symptoms. It's not like someone is pretending to be sick for attention or other reasons. The physical symptoms are real for the person experiencing them. It's a complex condition that can be hard to diagnose and treat.

A Look Back: History of Somatic Symptom Disorder

The idea of physical symptoms linked to mental health isn't new. A doctor named Paul Briquet first described something similar in 1859. It was later called Briquet's syndrome. He noticed patients who were often sick. They had many symptoms from different body parts. These symptoms continued even after many doctor visits and tests.

How Doctors Classify SSD

Mental health experts use special guides to classify disorders. These guides help doctors understand and diagnose conditions.

The DSM-5 and Somatic Symptom Disorders

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a guide used in the United States. In its newest version, DSM-5, these disorders are called somatic symptom and related disorders.

Before DSM-5, some of these conditions were known as "somatoform disorders." For example, what is now SSD used to be split into "somatization disorder" and "undifferentiated somatoform disorder."

Some related conditions in the DSM-5 include:

• Illness anxiety disorder: This is when someone worries too much about getting a serious illness. They might not have many physical symptoms. Their main concern is the fear of being sick.
• Factitious disorder: This is when someone deliberately produces or exaggerates symptoms. This can be done to themselves or to someone else.

The ICD-10 and Somatic Symptoms

Another important guide is the ICD-10. This is the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. It is used worldwide. The ICD-10 still includes a category for "somatization syndrome."

How is Somatic Symptom Disorder Treated?

Treating somatic symptom disorder often involves helping the person understand their symptoms. It also helps them learn ways to cope.

Talking to a Therapist: Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a common treatment. A specific type called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used. CBT helps people in several ways:

• It teaches ways to reduce stress.
• It helps people cope with their physical symptoms.
• It can help with feelings of depression or anxiety.
• It can improve a person's overall quality of life.
• It helps reduce constant worry about symptoms.

Another type of therapy, called psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy (PIT), has also shown good results. It helps people with many unexplained symptoms feel better physically over time.

Medications for Related Symptoms

Sometimes, doctors might suggest antidepressant medication. These medicines don't cure SSD itself. But they can help with common symptoms like depression and anxiety. When used with therapy, medication can support the treatment process.

See also

In Spanish: Trastorno somatomorfo para niños