Somatic Symptom Disorder: Definition, Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) refers to a condition where a person experiences physical symptoms that have no apparent medical explanation. Individuals with SSD often have an emotional response to these symptoms that is disproportionate to their severity.

With a more extensive female representation (10:1) and a prevalence estimated between 5% and 7% of the general population, somatic symptom disorder (SSD) might manifest in infancy, adolescence, or maturity, according to D’Souza RS et al.’s 2024 study on “Somatic Symptom Disorder” published in StatPearls Journal.

There are various types of somatic symptom disorders, including predominant pain disorder, where pain is the primary symptom. Other related conditions include illness anxiety disorder, which involves excessive worry about having a severe illness despite minimal or no symptoms, and conversion disorder, where neurological symptoms occur without a medical cause.

Symptoms of SSD range from mild to severe and include persistent pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal issues. Individuals often experience extreme anxiety about these symptoms, believing they indicate serious health problems. They seek multiple medical opinions or treatments while feeling that their concerns are not taken seriously. This affects their daily life, causing disruptions in work, relationships, and social activities.

The causes of SSD are a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Past trauma, genetic predisposition, and learned behaviors contribute to the development of SSD. Brown J from Columbia University suggests that individuals with a history of childhood abuse or neglect are more prone to developing SSD in adulthood.

In his 1999 review titled “Childhood Abuse and Neglect,” published in the Journal of American Academy Child Adolescence Psychiatry, he says that there is a significant association between childhood trauma and depression, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Those who experienced ongoing or severe abuse were more likely to exhibit these mental health issues compared to those who experienced less frequent or less severe forms of abuse.

Treatment for somatic symptom disorder usually involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals understand and manage their symptoms by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Medications such as antidepressants can also be prescribed to help alleviate anxiety and depression associated with SSD.

What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a mental health condition with an intense focus on physical symptoms that cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, according to Kop WJ et al.’s 2019 review titled, ” Somatic symptom disorder in the general population” published in the General  Hospital Psychiatry Journal.

Individuals with SSD experience one or more physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, which do not have a medical explanation. Somatic Symptom Disorder starts in childhood or early adulthood but often manifests before the age of 30.

SSD is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), as involving one or more somatic symptoms that result in significant distress or dysfunction. The diagnosis requires that individuals exhibit excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to their symptoms for at least six months.

Approximately 30% to 60% of individuals with SSD also suffer from anxiety and depression, indicating a solid comorbidity between these conditions, according to a 2001 study by A. Hirschfeld et al. titled “The Comorbidity of Major Depression and Anxiety Disorders” published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

This underscores the relevance of SSD within the broader context of mental health, emphasizing the need for appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategies that address both physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.

What Are The Different Types Of Somatic Symptom Disorder

The different types of Somatoform Disorders are illness anxiety disorder, conversion disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and somatic symptom disorder, according to Oliver Oyama et al.’s 2007 article titled “Somatoform Disorders,” published in the American Family Physician Journal.

Still, under new guidance, all of these disorders have been consolidated into one category known as Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). This change was made better to reflect the continuity and overlap among these disorders. Therefore, there are no distinct types of SSD, but rather a range of symptoms that can manifest in various ways within an individual.

What are the Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The symptoms of Somatic disorder are persistent physical complaints without a precise medical diagnosis, extreme thoughts, and behaviors related to health concerns, anxiety, and depression, ongoing preoccupation with symptoms or fear of having a severe illness, excessive time spent seeking medical care or visiting doctors and difficulty functioning in daily life due to physical symptoms, according to Dunphy L et al.’s 2019 study titled “Somatic symptom disorder:  A Diagnostic Dilemma” published in the BMJ Case Reports Journal.

The symptoms of somatic disorder, according to BMJ Case Reports Journal, include:

• Persistent physical complaints without a precise medical diagnosis: These include unexplained and recurring pain in different parts of the body, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.
• Extreme thoughts and behaviors related to health concerns: Individuals with somatic symptom disorders tend to have an excessive fear or belief that they have a severe illness despite medical reassurance. This can lead to constantly checking their body for signs of disease, avoiding certain activities or places due to fear of getting sick, and seeking multiple opinions from doctors.
• Ongoing preoccupation with symptoms or fear of having a severe illness: This often leads to frequent visits to doctors and specialists, as well as excessive use of medical tests and procedures.
• Excessive time spent seeking medical care or visiting doctors: Individuals with somatic symptom disorder spend a significant amount of time and energy seeking medical care, which can interfere with their daily responsibilities and activities.
• Difficulty functioning in daily life due to physical symptoms: The physical symptoms experienced by individuals with somatic symptom disorder affect their ability to carry out daily tasks and maintain relationships. This can lead to social isolation and difficulty at work or school.
• Hallmark symptoms: Hallmark symptoms are commonly observed in individuals with somatic symptom disorder. These include excessive worry and anxiety about one’s health, preoccupation with physical symptoms, and frequent doctor visits.

SSD affects approximately 5% to 7% of the U.S. population, indicating that it is a common condition among adults, according to D’Souza RS et al.’s 2023 study, “Somatic Symptom Disorder in StartPearls Journal.”

Somatic symptom disorder manifests in various ways, making it difficult for individuals to recognize and seek help. Seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing persistent physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation.

What causes Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The major causes of somatic disorders include genetics, personality traits, environmental factors, and childhood experiences, according to Tavel ME’s 2015 study titled “Somatic Symptom Disorders Without Known Physical Causes,”  published in the American Journal of Medicine.

The causes of SSD, according to  the American Journal of Medicine, include:

• Genetics: Genetics refers to the hereditary factors that increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing somatic symptom disorder (SSD). According to Espiridion ED et al.’s 2020 study on “A Systematic Literature Review of the Association Between Somatic Symptom Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder,” published in PubMed Central Journal, individuals with a family history of SSD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
• Personality traits: Personality traits are the characteristics that shape an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Some studies have suggested that certain personality traits, such as neuroticism and perfectionism, increase the risk of developing somatic symptom disorder.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors refer to external influences that affect an individual’s mental health. These factors include stressful life events and dysfunctional family dynamics. Environmental factors play a significant role in triggering the onset of SSD.
• Childhood experiences: Childhood experiences, especially early traumatic events, lead to the development of somatic symptom disorder. According to Chang X et al.’s 2019 study on “Associations between adverse childhood experiences and health outcomes in adults aged 18-59 years”, adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, or loss increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing SSD later in life.

How to Diagnose Somatic Symptom Disorder?

To diagnose Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), mental health professionals use the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), according to Barsky AJ’s 2016 article titled, “Assessing the New DSM-5 Diagnosis of Somatic”  published in Psychosom Medicine Journal.

These criteria include persistent physical symptoms that cause distress or disruption in daily life, excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to these symptoms, and at least one of the following: disproportionate time and energy devoted to those symptoms, high levels of anxiety about health or symptoms, and excessive preoccupation with somatic complaints.

Another tool for diagnosing SSD is the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). This self-assessment questionnaire consists of eight questions that assess an individual’s experience of somatic symptoms, their impact on daily life, and their coping mechanisms. The questions are rated on a 5-point scale ranging from “Not at all” to “Extremely,” with higher scores indicating greater severity of somatic symptoms.

The SSS-8 is a practical assessment tool for SSD because it considers the psychological and emotional aspects of somatic complaints. It helps clinicians determine the level of distress and impairment caused by these symptoms and the individual’s ability to manage them.

When Should You Contact A Medical Professional For A Diagnosis Of Somatic Symptoms?

You should contact a medical professional to diagnose somatic symptoms if you experience persistent physical symptoms causing significant distress or impairment in your daily life, lasting for more than a few weeks, not responding to self-care or home remedies, causing considerable discomfort or disruption in daily life and presence of other mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression, according to Cozzi, G et al.’s 2018 article titled, ” Acing Somatic Symptom Disorder In The Emergency Department ” published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.

According to the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, you should contact a medical professional if you experience the following somatic symptoms.

• Persistent physical symptoms: As mentioned earlier, somatic symptoms that last more than a few weeks should not be ignored. These include chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, headaches, or other bodily sensations. Somatic symptoms severely impact an individual’s daily functioning and overall well-being. If these symptoms start affecting work, relationships, self-care, or mental health, it is vital to seek medical attention.
• Lasting for over a few weeks: Monitoring your symptoms and tracking how long they have occurred is important. Somatic symptoms that persist over a few weeks indicate an underlying medical condition requiring attention.
• Not responding to self-care or home remedies: If you have tried self-care measures or home remedies but are still experiencing persistent physical symptoms, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for further evaluation and management.
• Causing significant discomfort or disruption in daily life: Somatic symptoms cause considerable discomfort, making it challenging to carry out daily activities. If these symptoms start interfering with your daily life and causing disruption, it is crucial to seek medical help.
• Presence of other mental health concerns: Somatic symptoms are often accompanied by mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression. If you are experiencing persistent anxiety about your health, have excessive worry about physical symptoms, or experience a decline in overall mental well-being, it is essential to consult with a mental health professional for mental health screening.

Therefore, if you experience any of the warnings mentioned above, it is crucial to contact a medical professional for a diagnosis of somatic symptoms. A prompt evaluation helps identify underlying medical conditions and provide appropriate treatment to improve overall well-being.

How to Treat Somatic Symptom Disorder

To treat somatic symptom disorder, a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are used, according to Sardesai, A. et al.’s 2023 review, “The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder,” published in the Cureus Journal.

• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for treating SSD. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to somatic symptoms. It also helps individuals to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Medication: Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for SSD, as suggested by Chu A et al.’s 2023 review on “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors” in StatPearls Journal. These medications help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which contribute to the somatic symptoms. Other types of medication, such as benzodiazepines or antipsychotics, are also used in some cases. The specific type of medication prescribed varies depending on individual needs and medical history. Consult with a doctor before starting any medication for SSD.
• Lifestyle changes: Making healthy choices also helps manage the somatic symptoms of SSD. These include regular exercise, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises.
• Support groups: Joining a support group provides additional emotional support and understanding from others managing SSD.

Always work with a psychiatrist to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses each person’s symptoms and needs.

What is the most effective treatment for Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The most effective treatments for Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies, both of which have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life, according to Zargar F et al.’s 2021 article titled “Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Psychological Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Symptom Severity in Patients with Somatic Symptom Disorder” published in the Advanced Biomedical Research Journal.

Verdurmen MJ et al. ‘s 2017 study, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Somatic Symptom Disorders in Later Life,” indicates that CBT significantly alleviates somatic symptoms, psychological distress, and disability in various patient populations, including adults and the elderly.

According to Chu A et al. ’s 2024 study, “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors,” published in StatPearls journal, pharmacological options such as antidepressants (notably amitriptyline and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine) have shown benefits in managing associated symptoms like pain and functional impairment.  

These treatments collectively contribute to substantial improvements in overall symptom severity, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, a combination of psychotherapy and medication tailored to individual needs is recommended for optimal management of SSD.

Can Somatic Symptom Disorder be cured?

Yes, Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is managed effectively. However, it cannot be “cured” traditionally, according to an article written by EPA 2020 Abstracts, Part 2, in the European Psychiatry Journal.

Treatment involves a combination of psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and sometimes medications such as antidepressants to alleviate associated symptoms like anxiety and depression.

How Long Does Somatic Symptom Disorder Last?

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) lasts for more than six months, as defined by the DSM-5 criteria, as reviewed by Rosic, T. et al. ‘s 2016 article, “Case Report: Somatic Symptom Disorder, a New DSM-5 Diagnosis of an Old Clinical Challenge,” published in the BMJ Case Reports Journal.

The disorder is characterized by one or more physical symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, often accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors regarding those symptoms.

According to D’Souza RS et al.’s 2023 study titled “Somatic Symptom Disorder,” published in StatPearls Journal, the prognosis for SSD is challenging, with up to 90% of cases persisting for five years or longer, leading to chronic disability and diminished quality of life.

Factors influencing the duration and severity of SSD include the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, individual coping mechanisms, and the support received from healthcare providers. Effective treatment often involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps manage both physical and psychological symptoms.

What are the Possible Complications of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The possible complications with somatic disorder are an increased risk of developing other physical and mental health conditions, difficulties in daily functioning,  and social and occupational impairments, according to Poikolainen K et al.’s 1995 article on “Life events and other risk factors for somatic symptoms in adolescence” published in the Pediatrics Journal.

• Increased risk of developing other physical and mental health conditions: People with somatic symptom disorder are more prone to developing other health conditions due to their heightened sensitivity to physical symptoms. This includes anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, and chronic pain conditions.
• Difficulties in daily functioning: Somatic symptom disorder affects one’s ability to carry out daily activities such as work, school, or household chores. The constant preoccupation with physical symptoms makes focusing on tasks and maintaining relationships challenging.
• Social and occupational impairments: Due to difficulties in daily functioning, individuals with somatic symptom disorder experience social isolation and have trouble maintaining employment. This leads to financial struggles and a decreased quality of life.

Somatic symptom disorder affects an individual’s physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. Treatment is needed to manage symptoms and prevent potential complications.

How to Prevent Somatic Symptom Disorder?

To prevent Somatic Symptom Disorder, individuals should have a personal healthcare plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, according to Henningsen P’s 2018 post, “Management of Somatic Symptom Disorder,” published in the Dialogues Clinical Neuroscience Journal. 

Tackling underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma also helps prevent the development of SSD. Seeking therapy or counseling is beneficial in addressing these issues.

Which Disorders Are Related to Somatic Symptoms?

The disorders related to somatic symptoms include illness anxiety disorder (IAD), conversion disorder, factitious disorder, functional neurological disorder, malingering, somatic delusions, and eating disorders, according to Yoshimasu K’s 2012 study titled, “Substance-Related Disorders and Somatic Symptoms”  published in the Current Drug Abuse Review Journal.

While all of these disorders involve some level of physical symptoms or concerns about one’s health, each has distinct characteristics that differentiate them from Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD).

The disorders related to somatic symptoms are listed below.

• Illness anxiety disorder: Illness anxiety disorder, also known as hypochondria or health anxiety, is a condition in which individuals have excessive worry about developing a severe illness. It manifests in behaviors such as constantly checking for signs and symptoms of disease or seeking reassurance from healthcare professionals. Both IAD and SSD involve health-related anxiety, but SSD is marked by distressing physical symptoms, whereas IAD focuses on the fear of illness without significant physical manifestations
• Conversion disorder: Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is a condition in which individuals experience neurological symptoms such as numbness or paralysis without any underlying medical explanation. This differs from SSD in that conversion disorder involves specific physical symptoms rather than general somatic complaints. 

While both disorders present with physical symptoms, conversion disorder specifically involves neurological deficits, and SSD encompasses a broader range of bodily symptoms without a clear medical cause.

• Factitious disorder: Factitious disorder, previously known as Munchausen syndrome, is characterized by an individual faking or inducing illness for attention and sympathy. Unlike SSD, where symptoms are not intentionally produced, individuals with factitious disorder knowingly fabricate their symptoms.
• Functional neurological disorder: Functional neurological disorder occurs when individuals experience sensory or motor symptoms without a medical cause. Similar to conversion disorder, functional neurological disorder presents with neurological symptoms; however, SSD includes a wider array of somatic complaints beyond just neurological issues.
• Malingering: Malingering is a term used to describe the deliberate exaggeration or fabrication of symptoms for personal gain. It is characterized by a conscious intent to deceive, while SSD symptoms arise from genuine distress without ulterior motives.
• Somatic delusions: Somatic delusions, also known as somatic symptom disorder with psychotic features, is a condition in which individuals have persistent beliefs about their physical health that are not based on reality. 

Somatic delusions are more rigid and delusional compared to SSD, where individuals experience real distress from their physical symptoms without necessarily holding false beliefs about their health.

• Eating disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are related to somatic symptoms. Although eating disorders include somatic concerns related to body image and health, they focus on eating behaviors and psychological issues rather than the broad range of physical symptoms seen in SSD.

While all of these disorders involve some level of somatic symptoms or health concerns, each has distinct characteristics that differentiate them from Somatic Symptom Disorder.

Which Disorder Has Voluntary Control of Somatic Symptoms?

Disorders that involve voluntary control of somatic symptoms primarily include Conversion Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder, according to Hurwitz TA’s 2004 review titled “Somatization and Conversion Disorder,” published in the Canadian Journal of  Psychiatry. Both of these disorders involve the experience of physical symptoms that have a psychological origin, and both are classified as somatoform disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

The disorders that involve voluntary control of somatic symptoms are listed below.

• Conversion Disorder: Conversion Disorder is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms that a medical condition or another mental disorder cannot explain. These symptoms include paralysis, blindness, seizures, numbness, or speech difficulties. What distinguishes Conversion Disorder from other neurological conditions is that the patient has voluntary control over these symptoms – they can choose to show them or not.
• Somatic Symptom Disorder: Somatic Symptom Disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition. These symptoms cause distress and impairment in daily functioning. Unlike Conversion Disorder, individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder do not have voluntary control over their symptoms.

Both of these disorders involve the mind-body connection and highlight the complex interplay between psychological and physical health.

What are the Common Comorbidities of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The common comorbidities of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) are PTSD, panic disorder, OCD, and fibromyalgia, according to Sejdiu A et al.’s 2023 study titled, “Psychiatric Comorbidities and Risk of Somatic Symptom Disorders in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” published in the Journal of Nervous and mental Disease. 

The common comorbidities of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) are listed below.

• Panic disorder PTSD is characterized by severe anxiety and intrusive memories following a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD experience physical symptoms such as headaches, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal issues, which overlap with the somatic complaints seen in SSD. This symptom overlap often leads to a higher prevalence of SSD among those with PTSD, as both conditions involve heightened awareness and distress regarding physical symptoms. The anxiety associated with the fear of future attacks worsens somatic symptoms in SSD, creating a cycle where panic symptoms contribute to the distress experienced in SSD. This relationship highlights how anxiety disorders manifest physically, similar to SSD.
• OCD: Individuals with OCD experience intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety. These compulsive behaviors lead to a heightened focus on physical symptoms and result in additional distress or functional impairment, mirroring the experiences of those with SSD. The obsessive nature of OCD worsens the preoccupation with bodily sensations typical of SSD.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. There is a significant overlap between the somatic symptoms in SSD and those experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia. Both conditions involve central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals, leading to a high comorbidity rate. Patients experience similar distress regarding their physical symptoms, further linking these two disorders.

Although PTSD, Panic Disorder, OCD, and fibromyalgia have distinct diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches, their comorbidity with SSD highlights the complex relationship between mental health and physical symptoms. 

Social Aspects of Somatic Symptom Disorder

The social aspects of SSD are SSD recognition as a disability, the associated Veterans Affairs (VA) ratings, and notable celebrity cases that highlight the condition’s impact on public perception, according to Dunphy, L. et al.’s 2019 review, ” Case Report: Somatic Symptom Disorder: A Diagnostic Dilemma, ” published in BMJ Case Reports Journal.

• SSD Recognition as a Disability: Somatic symptom disorder is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects an individual’s daily life. Due to its invisible nature, individuals with SSD face challenges in receiving recognition as having a disability. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes somatic symptom disorders as disabilities, ensuring protection against discrimination in areas such as employment and education, according to the “What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?”.
• VA Ratings: For veterans who develop somatic symptom disorder during or after military service, obtaining VA disability ratings is important in securing financial support and access to medical care. The VA uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to evaluate and rate the severity of SSD in veterans. The ratings range from 0% to 100%, with a higher rating indicating more severe symptoms and a more significant impact on daily functioning.
• Celebrity Cases: While somatic symptom disorder affects individuals from all walks of life, notable celebrity cases have shed light on the condition and its social implications. One such case is that of singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, who revealed her struggle with fibromyalgia, a common comorbidity of SSD. Her public discussion of the condition has helped raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding somatic symptom disorders.

What is the VA rating of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The VA rating of Somatic Symptom Disorder is based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, according to Henningsen, P’s 2018 report titled, “Management of Somatic Symptom Disorder,” published in the Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience Journal.

The symptoms must be present for at least six months and must cause significant distress or impairment to qualify for a VA rating.

Veterans are susceptible to developing Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) due to several unique factors related to their military service. Exposure to trauma, such as experiences leading to PTSD, is common among veterans and has been shown to correlate strongly with physical health issues, including somatic complaints, according to Mann SK et al’s  2014 study titled “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. published in the StatPearls Publishing Journal.

 The stigma surrounding mental health within a military culture causes veterans to express psychological distress through physical symptoms instead of seeking help for underlying issues, creating a cycle where untreated mental health problems worsen physical complaints. 

How Common is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

SSD is relatively common. The estimated prevalence of SSD in the general population ranges from 4.5% to 7%, according to Lehmann M, Pohontsch NJ, Zimmermann T, Scherer M, Löwe B. Estimated frequency of somatic symptom disorder in general practice: cross-sectional survey with general practitioners. BMC Psychiatry. This suggests that approximately 1 in 20 to 1 in 15 individuals experience this disorder at some point.

According to Lehmann M et al.’s 2022 study titled “Estimated Frequency of Somatic Symptom Disorder in General Practice,” published in the BMC Psychiatry Journal, the estimated prevalence of SSD in the general population ranges from 4.5% to 7%. This indicates that approximately 1 in 20 to 1 in 15 individuals may experience this disorder at some point.

SSD is common because it is triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, trauma, and underlying medical conditions. It is also more prevalent among women than men, with studies showing that 2-3 times more females are diagnosed with SSD, according to Sardesai A et al.’s study titled “The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder.”

One reason for the higher prevalence in women is societal expectations and stereotypes that often place pressure on women to prioritize their physical appearance and well-being over their mental health. This leads to heightened levels of stress and anxiety, which manifest as somatic symptoms.

Individuals who have experienced adverse childhood events or chronic illnesses also be at a higher risk for developing SSD. The disorder serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with past traumas or ongoing health issues.

How to Support Someone With Somatic Symptom Disorder?

To support someone with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), it is essential to show empathy, provide emotional support, and encourage seeking professional help, according to Henningsen P’s 2018 study titled “Management of Somatic Symptom Disorder’ published in the Dialogues Clinical  Neuroscience Journal.

Which Celebrities Face Challenges With Somatic Symptom Disorder?

The celebrities who have openly spoken about their struggles with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)  are Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato, according to the  2020 post titled” 10 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Struggles with Mental Health” published in the Lehigh Center of Clinical Research Journal.

Lady Gaga has been vocal about her experiences with chronic pain and mental health issues, which she attributes to SSD. By discussing her struggles, she helps to destigmatize mental health issues and encourages others to seek help. 

Selena Gomez has also shared her journey with health challenges, including lupus, which leads to somatic symptoms. She has highlighted the impact of mental health on physical well-being. 

Demi Lovato has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, discussing battles with various disorders, including SSD. Lovato’s candidness about their experiences with anxiety and physical symptoms serves to educate the public about the complexities of SSD. 

The stories of these celebrities contribute to public awareness in several ways. By sharing their struggles, they challenge the stigma surrounding mental health disorders, including SSD. Their openness educates the public about the nature of SSD, emphasizing that physical symptoms can arise from psychological distress.