Key Takeaways
- Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by distressing physical symptoms (like headaches, upset stomach, or heart palpitations) when there isn’t a known medical cause.
- Fortunately, several evidence-based therapies can improve outcomes for people living with somatic symptom disorder.
- If you’re experiencing distressing, unexplained physical discomfort, a therapist can help you manage your somatic symptoms and improve your quality of life.
People with somatic symptom disorder fixate excessively on their physical well-being. They experience significant distress related to physical symptoms that may or may not be related to an actual health condition.
For example, someone with somatic symptom disorder might worry that a headache is a sign of a fatal illness. Their worry might cause so much distress that it impairs their ability to function.
Fortunately, with the right support, you can manage somatic symptom disorder. With early detection and intervention, you can repair your mind-body connection and strengthen your mental health.
What are the best types of therapy for somatic symptom disorder?
Several evidence-based therapies are used to treat somatic symptom disorder. While some of the most common are listed below, you can always talk to your provider about your needs and preferences. Together, you can create an individualized treatment plan that’s right for you.
Psychoeducation
Research shows that learning more about somatic symptom disorder can be a powerful tool for managing it. The goal of psychoeducation is to help you understand your diagnosis so you can gain insight into your experiences and feel more empowered to manage your mental health.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT can help you identify and interrupt unhelpful thought patterns related to your physical well-being. For example, somatic symptom disorder can make physical sensations feel catastrophic. CBT can help you challenge those thoughts and reframe the experience so it’s less distressing.
Relaxation techniques
Interventions like breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety for people with somatic symptom disorder. By cultivating awareness in the mind and body (without judgment), these strategies can help you change the way you respond to somatic symptoms.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT can help you accept your somatic symptoms instead of trying to avoid or get rid of them. This can lead to greater self-acceptance and a reduction in symptom-related anxiety. ACT can also help you find ways to live in accordance with your values, even when you’re physically uncomfortable.
Stress management
Keeping your stress levels in check can support strong mental health, no matter your diagnosis. And for people with somatic symptom disorder, stress-management strategies focused on problem solving, time management, and assertive communication may be especially helpful.
Medication
While it’s not necessary for everyone, some people with somatic symptom disorder may benefit from medication as part of their treatment plan. This could include medications for verified health conditions and/or for co-occurring mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety. However, research shows that psychological interventions (like therapy) are more effective than medication in the treatment of somatic symptom disorder.
Collaborative care
Often, people with somatic symptom disorder will see multiple doctors in an attempt to verify that something is physically wrong with them. And they might not believe the results of medical tests indicating that they’re healthy. Allowing your providers to communicate with each other (usually via a signed release) can help reduce unnecessary visits to the doctor and provide a more comprehensive, integrated treatment experience.
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How to start your therapy journey for somatic symptom disorder disorder
If you’re interested in beginning therapy for somatic symptom disorder, you’ve already taken an important step toward improving your health and well-being. But before starting therapy, you should seek a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
If your doctor verifies that you’re physically healthy, you can ask them for a referral to a therapist who’s skilled in treating somatic symptom disorder. You can also explore your options for teletherapy or search the web for in-person mental health services in your community.
During your first few sessions, your therapist will ask you questions about your medical and mental health histories and conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms. Remember that this is a time for you to get to know your therapist too. You can always ask questions about their approach to treating somatic symptom disorder and what you can expect from working together.
It’s normal to feel anxious about starting treatment. It might help to take some time to prepare for your sessions by journaling, making a list of concerns you wish to discuss, and considering your goals for therapy. Throughout this experience, you and your therapist will work together to help you foster a healthy mind-body connection, reduce health-related anxiety, and improve your quality of life.
The first step in seeking therapy for somatic symptom disorder is finding a clinician experienced in working with people with this mental health condition. Be open to collaborating with your healthcare provider and therapist so you can receive wraparound care that both validates your experience and uses treatment options that make the most sense.
Find care with Rula
Living with somatic symptom disorder can be distressing. Chronic physical discomfort can lead to acute anxiety — especially if there isn’t a known cause. That anxiety can become amplified when symptoms, which are very real to the person experiencing them, aren’t validated by medical professionals.
While we don’t yet fully understand all the reasons someone might develop somatic symptom disorder, the good news is that it’s a highly treatable condition. With the right support, you can learn to cope with physical symptoms and improve your ability to function in daily life.
Whether you need help for somatic symptom disorder or another mental health condition, with Rula, you can access the care you deserve via convenient virtual appointments. No matter the issue you’re facing, you can use our therapist-matching program to find a therapist who takes your insurance in just a few clicks. And thanks to our network of over 10,000 providers, you won’t wait weeks or months for an appointment. You can start the process today and schedule your first live video therapy session for as soon as tomorrow.
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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