Could you have a somatic symptom disorder?

Somatic symptom and related disorders — formerly known as somatoform disorders — are a set of mental health conditions involving physical symptoms that aren’t explained by another medical condition. For example, you might have chronic pain, neurological symptoms that look like seizures, or periods of dizziness that aren’t because of a physical illness or other condition. 

Getting the right diagnosis for somatic symptom disorders is essential, but it can be complex. Because these symptoms mimic various medical conditions so closely, healthcare providers need to rule out other conditions as well. You’ll likely be asked to undergo medical exams as a first step toward a somatic symptom disorder diagnosis.

Here, we’ve created a free online somatic symptom disorder test that can help guide you.

How are somatic symptom disorders diagnosed?

If you’re dealing with somatic symptom disorders, you might start by seeking help from a general practitioner because of the physical nature of your symptoms. These symptoms can cause significant distress in your life, and it can be hard to tell whether they’re caused by a medical condition or a psychiatric one.

Your healthcare provider will need to rule out other medical causes before diagnosing somatic symptom disorder, as this is part of the diagnostic process. You may be asked to undergo lab tests or see specialists for further evaluation.

If no medical explanation is found, your provider might refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or therapist. They’ll use tools like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 to assess whether your symptoms meet the criteria for somatic symptom disorder.

What are the different types of somatic symptom disorders? 

Several different conditions are listed under “somatic symptom and related disorders” in the DSM-5, including:

• Somatic symptom disorder (this can be confusing — “somatic symptom disorder” is both the name of a specific condition as well as the name of the general category of conditions, “somatic symptom and related disorders”)
• Conversion disorder 
• Illness anxiety disorder 
• Factitious disorder

Each of these conditions has their own set of specific diagnostic criteria. For somatic symptom disorder, your mental health provider will be checking to see if you experience the following key symptoms:

1. You experience at least one somatic (physical) symptom that causes you significant distress or interferes with daily functioning.
2. You feel a lot of anxiety and stress about these symptoms. You spend a lot of time and energy thinking about your symptoms.
3. At least one of your symptoms is constantly present, even though others may come and go.

Your healthcare provider may ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history, including your mental health history.

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Take the somatic symptom disorder test

An online test can’t replace a diagnosis made by a medical professional. Diagnosing a somatic symptom or related disorder is complex. Medical professionals need to first rule out any other health conditions that might be contributing to your physical symptoms. It’s essential that you see a healthcare provider if you’re having any unexplained physical symptoms, whether you think they might be related to somatic symptom disorder or not. 

These questions are designed to help you understand if your experiences indicate that you might benefit from seeing a healthcare provider — whether a mental health professional or a physician — to receive an assessment and treatment for somatic symptom disorder.

Answer yes or no to the following statements based on whether or not they accurately describe you and your symptoms. 

1. I experience a lot of pain — for example, in my back, knees, or joints — with no clear cause or explanation.
2. I sometimes feel faint or dizzy. I sometimes even faint or pass out.
3. I get frequent headaches.
4. I experience pain during sexual intercourse.
5. I feel short of breath.
6. I have chest pain.
7. I have stomach problems — for example, I have frequent diarrhea or deal with chronic constipation or stomach pains.
8. I’m constantly tired or have low energy.
9. I have trouble sleeping.
10. These physical symptoms cause significant impairment or problems in my life. For example, they negatively affect my relationships or my career.
11. I feel very anxious about my health. I’m anxious almost every day.
12. I spend a lot of time thinking about or trying to treat or fix my symptoms.
13. I’ve seen medical professionals and undergone tests, but they’ve told me that there’s “nothing wrong” or my symptoms are more severe than expected for the health condition I’ve been diagnosed with.

If you answered “yes” to many of these questions — especially numbers 11 and 12 — it’s possible you have somatic symptom disorder. Many health conditions can cause similar symptoms, and a professional evaluation is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why can a somatic symptom disorder diagnosis be controversial?

Unfortunately, somatic symptom disorders continue to be highly misunderstood and stigmatized. There’s a mistaken belief that, since these are psychiatric conditions, the physical symptoms associated with them are “just in your head” and therefore not “real.” 

But the symptoms you’re experiencing are real, and your experiences are valid — whether it’s somatic symptom disorder or another medical condition causing them. Somatic symptom disorder is a legitimate health condition that requires treatment.

It also must be noted that somatic symptom and related disorders are more frequently diagnosed in women, which may contribute to its stigmatization. Historically, these disorders were called “hysteria,” a term now considered offensive and often linked to women. This outdated label still reinforces harmful stereotypes and is sometimes used in a derogatory way for women with mental health challenges.

What can you do if you disagree with your diagnosis?

You might also feel like the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder doesn’t accurately describe what you’re going through. You might feel like your symptoms are being brushed off or minimized by medical professionals.

Your feelings are valid. Try to remember that a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder is no less “serious” than any other medical condition. You deserve support and treatment.

If you disagree with your diagnosis — or if you think your symptoms are a sign of another medical condition, not somatic symptom disorder — let your healthcare provider know right away. It’s important to advocate for yourself and your health needs. Your hospital or local government may have an ombudsman program; ombudsmen/ombudspersons are professionals or trained volunteers who advocate on behalf of patients. They can be helpful in getting you the care you deserve. 

Find care with Rula

Regardless of your official diagnosis, if you’re experiencing these uncomfortable and sometimes painful physical symptoms, seeing a therapist can help. A therapist can help you learn how to cope with anxiety and other emotional effects of living with these symptoms, and understand yourself more deeply.

Rula partners with most insurance providers nationwide to help hundreds of thousands of patients find affordable, quality, in-network therapy. Whenever you’re ready, you can make an appointment with a therapist as soon as tomorrow. Somatic symptom disorder is treatable, and you aren’t alone. 

Find a therapist with Rula