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Fear has been a normal part of human existence. However, when fear is so strong, it can cripple people’s lives. This is what happens to those who have somatic symptom disorder or SSD. Previously, there are distinct somatic disorders, such as the somatization disorder, undifferentiated somatoform disorder, hypochondriasis, and somatoform pain disorder; however, because all of these have common characteristics, they are now classified into one, which is called somatic symptom disorder (Dimsdale, 2013). This condition is described as having “multiple persistent physical complaints that are associated with excessive and maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to those symptoms” (Dimsdale, 2013). Although normal people may think that those who have somatic symptom disorder are overreacting, the fear that is being felt by these patients are quite real and needs to be addressed. To clearly understand this mental illness, it is imperative to discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments that are associated with it.
Several symptoms and signs are associated with SSD. One of the first symptoms that patients experience is pain (Dimsdale, 2013). However, it is the person’s responses to this pain that represent the main symptoms. For example, if a person with SSD feels a headache, whether mild or severe, he may feel anxious about the pain and this anxiousness often develops into persistent and excessive worry which lasts for more than 6 months (U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d.). The extreme anxiousness being felt by the patient stems from the thought that his headache is a sign of a serious illness, such as brain tumor. Because of the severe anxiety, this patient will go to see a doctor and will undergo multiple examinations and procedures, but if the results turn out negative, meaning that he has no brain tumor, he will most likely not believe the results. Being convinced that something is seriously wrong even without medical evidence is another symptom of SSD (U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d.). Now, when the doctors did not find any evidence of seriously illness, the patient will think that he is not being given proper medical attention or the doctors are not doing their job. This is another symptom of SSD. Also, patients with SSD spend significant amount of resources, such as time and energy, to deal with their perceived condition or health issues (U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d.). These are the symptoms of Due to this excessive worry and fear, their day to day functions are usually impacted. They may develop dependency on others, depression, and even suicidal tendencies.
Although several studies have been conducted about SSD, no definite cause have been identified yet. However, some risk factors have already been identified. These include temperamental factors (as cited in American Psychiatric Association, 2013). A person with negative affectivity or neuroticism are more at risk of SSD. Another risk factor is environmental. According to Creed et al. and Deary, Chalder, and Sharpe, those who spent fewer years in formal school, those are classified with low socioeconomic status, and those who experienced life events that are stressful are at higher risk for SSD (as cited in American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Furthermore, there are demographic risk factors associated with this condition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For instance, female genders, older people, and unemployed individuals are more at risk of SSD.
Because patients with SSD are strongly convinced that they are physically ill, it is hard to convince them that what they are going through is caused by a psychological condition. Moreover, the complications often lead to real physical illnesses, so every physical symptom becomes a challenge for physicians and patients to rule out. This makes it hard to treat and completely eliminate SSD. However, there are ways that can help manage its symptoms. One of the possible approaches to SSD is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. This can only occur when the patients agree that what they have been doing to address their perceived condition are not successful. The cognitive-behavioral therapy works by challenging the beliefs, thoughts, and unhelpful behaviors of the client (“Somatic,” n.d.). Because SSD is associated with physical and social complications, CBT also addresses these areas. Patients are often given advice on how they can manage stress, how to solve problems related to the symptoms they are experiencing, and they are given training to develop their social skills (“Somatic,” n.d.). A specific type of CBT is called mindfulness therapy. This has been a suggested method to help SSD patients deal with their condition. This kind of therapy helps patients become aware of what they are feeling and thinking and to consider all of these as experiences rather than instead of believing that they are absolute truth (Collard, 2013). A study has proven that mindfulness therapy can be effective for patients with SSD. Based on the findings of Fjorback et al. (2012), “mindfulness therapy is a feasible and acceptable treatment.” With this approach, patients with SSD develop the skill to handle and deal with negative thoughts regarding their physical health. In some cases, when SSD overlaps with other psychological condition (e.g., depression), patients are also given pharmacological interventions. Specifically, antidepressants are given at the right dosage when needed (“Somatic,” n.d.). With behavioral and pharmacological approaches, patients with SSD can successfully live and overcome their symptoms.
Overall, somatic symptom disorder is a serious mental condition that can be best understood by taking a look at its symptoms, causes, complications, and treatments. In general practice, it has been recorded that the prevalence of SSD is around 5 percent in general population (“Somatic,” n.d.). This may not be considered as a high percentage, but the lives of the people who are suffering from this disorder are just as important as those who have other debilitating illnesses. This is why it is imperative to understand and extend help to those who are suffering from somatic symptom disorder.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Collard, P. (2013). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for dummies. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimsdale, J. (2013). Somatic symptom disorder. MSD Manual Professional Version. Retrieved from http://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/somatic-symptom-and-related-disorders/somatic-symptom-disorder
Fjorback, L. (2012). Mindfulness therapy for somatization disorder and functional somatic syndromes — Randomized trial with one-year follow-up. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 74 (1), 31-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2012.09.006
Somatic symptom disorder (n.d.). Patient. Retrieved from http://patient.info/doctor/somatic-symptom-disorder
U.S. National Library of Medicine (n.d). Somatic symptom disorder. Medline Plus. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000955.htm
