Dr. Sidawi is an Orlando based, UF trained physician who is happy to be serving the community he grew up in by offering a combination of psychiatric medication management and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) represents a complex condition where individuals experience significant physical symptoms that have a psychological origin. This blog post aims to shed light on the nature, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria of SSD, while drawing parallels to related disorders, and discussing its prevalence, associated features, and potential therapeutic interventions.
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is defined by a profound preoccupation with physical symptoms — such as persistent pain, weakness, or difficulty breathing — that substantially disrupt daily life and cannot be fully accounted for by medical diagnoses or substance use. The distinguishing feature of SSD lies not in the feigning or deliberate production of symptoms but in the genuine distress and impairment they cause. Noteworthy characteristics include:
Widespread Physical Complaints: SSD manifests through a broad spectrum of physical symptoms that lack a definitive medical explanation. Affected individuals might experience an array of general symptoms like chronic fatigue and vertigo, as well as more specific and localized discomforts.
Heightened Concern Over Symptoms: Those with SSD tend to engage in excessive rumination about the severity of their symptoms. They might allocate an inordinate amount of time to health-related worries or exhibit exaggerated responses to physical sensations, indicative of a heightened state of health anxiety.
Continued Distress Despite Medical Reassurance: Individuals with SSD often find little solace in medical assessments that rule out serious medical conditions. This persistent health anxiety can lead to repeated medical consultations or investigations, as the individual seeks validation for their distress.
Significant Impact on Functioning: The intense focus on bodily symptoms and the resulting distress encroach upon and significantly impair social interactions, job responsibilities, and other critical aspects of daily life, markedly reducing the individual’s quality of life.
Emotional Recognition and Expression Difficulties: A unique aspect of SSD is the challenge some individuals face in acknowledging and articulating their emotions. For them, emotional turmoil might instead manifest through physical symptoms, reflecting a disconnection from their emotional state.
Link to Psychological Stress: Symptoms in SSD, while genuine and not deliberately produced, often have roots in psychological stress or conflict. This highlights the intricate connection between psychological states and physical health, underscoring the importance of addressing both aspects for effective treatment.
This refined understanding of SSD underscores the complexity of the disorder, emphasizing the critical need for a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the intricate web of physical symptoms, emotional distress, and psychological well-being.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides specific criteria for diagnosing Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). To receive a diagnosis of SSD, an individual must meet the following 3 criteria:
One or More Somatic Symptoms: The individual experiences one or more somatic symptoms that are distressing or result in significant disruption of daily life. These symptoms can vary widely in their nature but are typically persistent and perceived as distressing.
Excessive Thoughts, Feelings, or Behaviors Related to the Somatic Symptoms: At least one of the following must be present:
Chronicity: Although any one somatic symptom may not be continuously present, the state of being symptomatic is persistent (typically more than six months).
The most common somatic symptoms experienced by individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) can vary widely but often include:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), categorizes several related disorders under Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders, which include:
A person with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) may also experience various other psychological disorders, which are important to be aware of:
Treatment for SSD is often multidisciplinary and tailored to the individual, including things like therapy, medications, and psychoeducation:
Effective management often requires a combination of these treatments, emphasizing a holistic approach that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of the disorder.
Dr. Sidawi is happy to be a part of your journey towards mental health, or at least point you in the right direction. Please either fill out the contact form below, call or email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are now scheduling adults age 18 and up residing in Florida for initial appointments. Unfortunately, due to laws around cash pay we cannot see patients who have Medicare or Medicaid.
Email: Info@AnalyzePsych.com
Phone: 407-900-9656
Dr. Sidawi is happy to be a part of your journey towards mental health, or at least point you in the right direction. Please either fill out the contact form below, call or email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are now scheduling adults age 18 to 64 residing in Florida for initial appointments. Unfortunately, due to laws around cash pay we cannot see patients who have Medicare or Medicaid.
Email: Info@AnalyzePsych.com
Phone: 407-900-9656
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