Somatic Symptom Disorder

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Somatic Symptom Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A condition involving distressing somatic symptoms along with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms.

Overview

Somatic symptom disorder involves one or more somatic symptoms that are distressing or disrupt daily life, along with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms or associated health concerns, persisting for more than six months.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include persistent thoughts about the seriousness of symptoms, high health-related anxiety, and excessive time or energy devoted to symptoms or health concerns. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not fully understood. Heightened bodily symptom sensitivity and anxiety proneness are associated with the condition.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy has evidence supporting its use in reducing symptom-related distress and improving functioning.

Living With Somatic Symptom Disorder

Regular, scheduled visits with a single trusted primary care provider can help reduce excessive health-related checking.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Many people experience improved functioning and reduced distress with consistent treatment.

Related Conditions

Illness Anxiety Disorder

A condition involving persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, despite few or no somatic symptoms.

Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder)

A condition involving neurological symptoms, such as weakness or non-epileptic seizures, that are incompatible with recognized neurological disease.

Factitious Disorder

A condition involving the falsification of physical or psychological symptoms, or induction of injury or disease, without obvious external reward.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.