Signs and causes behind somatic symptom disorders

People with somatic symptom disorders (SSDs), previously referred to as somatoform disorders, often experience an extreme emotional response to physical symptoms. For example, if they have a headache, they might worry it’s a sign that something is seriously wrong, like brain cancer. 

What can be difficult to understand about SSDs is that sometimes there’s a medical explanation for symptoms, but this isn’t always the case. However, the physical sensations and worries brought on by SSDs are very real to the person experiencing them. While SSDs can be challenging to live with, people can find relief and learn to manage their symptoms with the right support. 

What do symptoms of somatic symptom disorder feel like?

Picture the dashboard of your vehicle. There are probably all sorts of gauges and indicators that could light up if there’s a mechanical issue. When this happens, we know it’s time for an oil change or some other form of maintenance.

Similarly, our minds are like the dashboard for our bodies. Our brains “light up” and tell us when we’re in physical pain or ill. But for people with SSDs, their brains may indicate pain, sickness, or some other physical issue even when there isn’t a medical cause. 

Some of the most common SSD symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These sensations can range from mild to severe and usually manifest earlier in life, prior to the age of 30. 

While others might respond to these symptoms by taking a painkiller, trying to go to bed early, or scheduling their annual physical, people with SSDs often have a more exaggerated reaction. 

They may:

• Experience such intense anxiety about their physical symptoms that it impacts their functioning
• Believe their symptoms are signs of a serious or life-threatening illness
• Request multiple evaluations, potentially from several different healthcare providers, in an attempt to discover the source of their symptoms only to not believe the test results when they receive them
• Feel their doctor doesn’t believe them or take their suffering seriously
• Spend a considerable amount of time, energy, and other resources on their health concerns
• Often seem to be highly sensitive to the side effects of medication
• Require excessive emotional and physical support from others and become frustrated when they feel like their needs aren’t being met

Some people with SSDs have said that their experience can make it difficult to trust their bodies or it’s almost like their bodies are lying to them. 

For instance, imagine what it’s like to feel intense physical pain and go to the doctor only to be told that you’re completely healthy and nothing is physically wrong. Despite the test results or the doctor’s evaluation, the person is experiencing tangible discomfort, and this disconnect can increase their distress. 

If you or someone you care about is showing signs of an SSD, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Their reactions are driven by genuine distress and warrant compassionate support.

The care you need, when you need it

Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey

Subscribe

I agree to receive emails from Rula and accept the terms outlined in Client Email Consent and Privacy Policy.

How do somatic symptoms happen?

We don’t yet know all the reasons why somatic symptoms happen. But it’s important to note that people with SSDs aren’t faking their symptoms. They’re experiencing a disconnect between their brains and their bodies that results in real physical discomfort. This is believed to be due in part to differences in the areas of the brain that control emotions, memory, and awareness of body sensations.

What can cause a somatic symptom disorder?

Researchers have identified a few potential causes and risk factors of SSD:

• Heightened sensitivity to pain (both physical and emotional) and other sensations
• A family history of SSDs
• A history of physical or sexual abuse
• A tendency to view things in a more negative light

How long does somatic symptom disorder last?

SSD is often a long-lasting condition. The length of time SSD lasts can vary, with some people experiencing symptoms for years. Left untreated, SSD can lead to:

• Diminished functioning in daily life
• Financial concerns due to the cost of medical treatments
• Increased risk of depression and suicide*
• Relationship difficulties
• Poorer health overall

*A note on safety: If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from any phone. Their counselors will provide confidential support and resources to help keep you safe.

Despite these challenges, people with SSDs can manage their symptoms with the right support. This usually involves therapy, collaboration between medical and mental health professionals, and, in some cases, medication. While the goal of SSD treatment isn’t necessarily to find a cure, it can help to relieve pain and other physical symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. 

Find care with Rula

SSDs are mental health conditions involving distressing physical symptoms even when there’s no known medical cause. People with SSDs can become preoccupied with bodily sensations and worry that something is seriously wrong (even if medical tests show otherwise). SSDs can be challenging to live with and may cause some people to feel that they can’t trust their minds or bodies. But with the right support, people with SSDs can manage their physical discomfort and improve their ability to function in daily life.

When you need help for SSD or another mental health concern, we invite you to explore Rula. In just a few minutes, you can sort through our network of over 10,000 providers to find a therapist who takes your insurance and offers the specialized care you deserve. And, thanks to our teletherapy platform, you can begin seeing the provider of your choice via live video as soon as tomorrow — all from the comfort of home. 

Find a therapist with Rula