Somatic Symptom Disorder: Diagnosis & Treatment
A clear guide to somatic symptom disorder, where psychological distress presents as physical symptoms, covering diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually begins with
Confidential Consultation
Coordinated Medical Review
Talk Therapy
Treatment combines careful medical evaluation with therapy that addresses the connection between stress and physical symptoms.
You may need this evaluated if...
An evaluation is recommended when these signs appear:
- Persistent physical symptoms without a clear medical cause after evaluation
- Excessive worry or time spent focused on the symptoms
- Symptoms that significantly affect daily life
- Repeated medical consultations without lasting relief
Somatic symptom disorder is a genuine, treatable condition, and the physical symptoms and distress you experience are real and taken seriously.
What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Somatic symptom disorder involves genuine, distressing physical symptoms linked to excessive thoughts, feelings or behaviours related to those symptoms, often without a fully explaining medical cause.
Symptoms Are Real
The physical distress experienced is genuine, even without a fully explaining medical finding.
Mind-Body Connection
Psychological stress can produce and worsen real physical symptoms.
Coordinated Care Helps
Working with both medical and psychiatric teams provides the most complete care.
Confidential, Validating Care
Your experience is taken seriously and addressed with sensitivity.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent physical symptoms such as pain or fatigue
- Excessive worry about the seriousness of symptoms
- High level of anxiety about health
- Repeated seeking of medical reassurance
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of biological, psychological and life-circumstance factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the right treatment plan.
Coordinated Medical Review
Ensures physical causes have been appropriately evaluated by the relevant specialists.
Confidential Psychiatric Interview
Explores the relationship between stress, emotions and physical symptoms.
Standardised Screening Tools
Helps assess the level of health-related anxiety and its impact.
Treatment Approaches
Therapy & Counselling
- Cognitive behavioural therapy focused on symptom management
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
- Coordinated care with your treating physician
Medication
Medication may be considered for co-occurring anxiety or depression contributing to symptom severity.
Treatment decisions are based on symptoms, severity, personal history and preference, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and reaching out promptly is important for the best outcome.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a confidential consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing concerns.
- Persistent unexplained physical symptoms affecting daily life
- Ongoing worry about symptoms despite medical evaluation
Seek Urgent Care
Reach out for emergency support immediately if you or a loved one experience any of the following.
- Thoughts of harming yourself
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you choose the right psychiatrist, confidentially.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can match your concern to the right psychiatrist, confidentially.
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