Somatic Symptom Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Daignosis, Prevention and Treatment

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Somatic Symptom Disorder
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Somatic Symptom Disorder

• When an individual feels extra anxiety about his
  physical symptoms like fatigue or pain, it is
  known as somatic symptom disorder (SSD). The
  individual will have intense feelings, thoughts
  and behaviors relating to the symptoms which
  interfere with their daily routine.Many times,
  no physical cause can be attributed to their
  malady. Individuals suffering from somatic
  symptom disorder face problems mainly with their
  extreme behavior and reaction.Somatic symptom
  disorder is now an umbrella term as per DSM-5, it
  includes somatoform and other related disorders
  like hysteria.Individuals with somatic symptom
  disorder (SSD) may be linked with a lot of
  stigmas there is a possibility that the physician
  may dismiss the individuals issues as a figment
  of their imagination. Generally, somatic symptom
  disorder (SSD) is reported before the age of 30
  and more often in females than in males.

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Causes of Somatic Symptom Disorder

• The precise cause of somatic symptom disorder is
  not known. However, the role of the following
  factors is plausible
• Genetics
• Upbringing
• Possessing a negative outlook
• Learned behavior

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Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder

• A physical exam will be performed by your doctor
  who will suggest some relevant tests to check for
  physical causes of your symptoms. Tests will
  depend on the symptoms one presents with.One
  may be referred to a mental doctor for further
  evaluation. A psychological examination will be
  done to extract out any related disorders.

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Prevention

• Counseling can help individuals who are prone to
  somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in learning ways
  to deal with their stress. Counseling can assist
  them in bringing down the intensity of symptoms.

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Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder

• The symptoms can include
• Palpitations, shortness of breath and chest pain
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating
• Back pain, joint pain, pain in the arms or legs
• Feel extremely anxious about their symptoms
• Assume milder symptoms to be serious conditions
• Goes for multiple tests and doesnt believe the
  results
• Feel their doctor has not taken them seriously
• Seeking high-level medical care
• Doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors) for
  the same symptoms
• Spend a lot of time brooding over health concerns
• Normal function is affected because of their
  behavior, feeling, thoughts about their symptoms

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Treatment for Somatic Symptom Disorder

• Individuals seeking treatment for somatic
  symptom disorder (SSD) must have a supportive
  relationship with their physician.Ideally, there
  must be a single primary health care provider to
  avoid repeated tests and procedures. Visits to a
  therapist (mental health care provider) also may
  be required.PsychotherapyBased on cognitive
  behavioral therapy, newer approaches have been
  found to bring down the frequency and intensity
  of the somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Such
  sessions incorporate general advice on
  problem-solving, managing stress and social
  skills training, etc.Pharmacological
  TreatmentCertain psychiatric disorders relating
  to somatic symptom disorder (SSD), particularly
  depression and anxiety respond well to
  antidepressants.

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