Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a condition involving severe physical symptoms like pain or fatigue and associated flimsy thoughts. These symptoms may seem normal, but in SSD, they are linked with behavioral changes and stress. A person suffering from SSD reacts to these symptoms abnormally. He becomes sensitive and constantly feels dull.

Such symptoms have a huge impact on our emotions and capabilities. The physical symptoms may or may not be associated with a medical condition. They create a sense of distress that results in strange behaviors like aggression and anxiety.

Sometimes, the reason for these symptoms cannot be identified. Due to this, the situation becomes more frustrating. The sufferer has to go through a load of tests, medications, and check-ups. This creates an irrational fear of having a deadly disease and being extremely stressed about your condition, but in reality, the symptoms may have no cause at all.

Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder

This disorder is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents before their thirties. It exists in both genders but is more common in women. A mental health professional takes your physical examination and recommends some tests, if necessary. He deeply analyzes your symptoms and asks questions about your difficulties and stressful situations.

According to DSM-5, the following factors indicate that a person is going through SSD.

• The symptoms are ongoing for at least 5-6 months.
• The symptoms affect the person’s daily life activities.
• A person’s behavior and thoughts are influenced.
• He becomes sensitive and keeps overthinking about it.

If any of these factors is present in a person, the disorder is at the initial stage. If all factors are present, his condition is said to be severe.

Symptoms and Effects

Symptoms of SSD can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include pain, weakness, and a lack of energy to perform daily tasks. Shortness of breath also occurs in some cases.

Some people report more than one symptom, but in most cases, one symptom constantly exists. Whatever the symptoms, they overthink them and intensify the situation. They consider every little change in their health and behavior a sign of a life-threatening disease.

If the medical treatment gets prolonged and no clear evidence is found, you start to think that your condition is untreatable. This develops a fear of living with it throughout your life. At this point, most people lose hope and find it difficult to visit a doctor or talk about it. They also lose trust in their family and doctors and think that their family is hiding the truth from them.

After some time, people keep thinking about their condition the whole day. They assume about all the diseases they might have and keep relating their symptoms. At this stage, your work life suffers, and your capabilities are diminished.  Due to this, a large proportion of people suffering from SSD also develop anxiety and depression.

Causes of Somatic Symptom Disorder

Some environmental and psychological factors can lead to somatic symptom disorder. The common causes of SSD include some physical or verbal abuse and emotional immaturity. Emotional immaturity is the inability to deal with emotions and hormonal changes.

Sometimes, genetics can also be a contributing factor. Environment and your personality favor this disorder to develop. However, causes may not be identified in some cases.

To avoid complications and severe effects, try to cooperate with your caregivers. Avoid overthinking about your symptoms. Engage yourself in creative activities to avoid negative thoughts. Learn to control your emotions. Have patience and stay persistent throughout the journey.

Treatment of Somatic Symptom Disorder

SSD is primarily a psychological condition, and the best way to deal with it is through therapy. Healthcare professionals provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and talk therapy to help people understand their situation and stop overthinking. Moreover, certain medications can also be used to avoid issues like anxiety and depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that enables people to interact and communicate with others better. It focuses on building trust in others and developing strong relationships with loved ones. It also teaches us how to control our emotions and manage stress.

Highly professional therapists can also help to improve how we react to our symptoms. They also help us replace our irrational thoughts with realistic ones.

If the therapy turns out to be successful, you can:

• Improve your physical health and get rid of symptoms.
• Being productive in your daily life
• Learn to manage stress.
• Stop overthinking.
• Start socializing

Medications mostly include antidepressants because they are proven to reduce stress levels. It also relieves you from the symptoms like pain and fatigue. But, sometimes, medications can take time to show effective results.

Therapy and medication aim to enable people to function normally. Healthy activities like deep breathing and yoga exercises also prove very fruitful. Moreover, increasing public awareness is also important.

The therapist should observe all the symptoms carefully and avoid recommending unnecessary tests or check-ups. Most of the patients find it very hard to engage themselves in therapy.

It is a therapist’s responsibility to establish a healthy connection with their patient. He should maintain friendly behaviour with the patient. Furthermore, the therapist must ensure good communication with the patient. He should motivate them and explain to them how taking therapy is normal and can be very helpful in leading a normal life.

Also Read: Relaxing Brings Happiness: So Why is it so Dang Hard?

Conclusion

SSD is a complex disorder, and it directly influences the way a person thinks. People assume that they are sick from a deadly disease when their symptoms show no clear cause. This overthinking and negative mindset gives rise to problems like anxiety and stress.

Timely diagnosis is necessary, and a positive approach helps eradicate the problem more efficiently. Therapy makes us strong enough to avoid getting too influenced by our emotions. It enables us to cope with stress, establish relations, and be productive. Patience is the key to success, as the recovery process can be frustrating sometimes, and healing takes time.