Features of Somatic Symptom Disorders

Somatic Symptom Disorders

Overview of Disorders and Features

This section outlines various types of Somatic Symptom Disorders along with their essential features.

Types of Somatic Symptom Disorders

• Somatic Symptom Disorder

  • Essential Features:
  • Characterized by a history of many physical complaints.
  • The complaints typically begin before the age of 30.
  • Symptoms occur over an extended period (several years).
  • Results in significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.
  • The patient must display at least:
    • Four pain symptoms
    • Two gastrointestinal symptoms
    • One sexual symptom
    • One symptom suggesting a neurological disorder.

• Hypochondriasis (Illness Anxiety Disorder)

  • Essential Features:
  • Predominantly a preoccupation with fears of having a serious disease.
  • This preoccupation originates from a misinterpretation of bodily symptoms.
  • The fear persists despite appropriate medical evaluations and reassurance.
  • The concern has existed for at least 6 months.
  • The condition causes clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning.

• Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder)

  • Essential Features:
  • Symptoms or deficits that affect voluntary motor or sensory functions without any neurological or medical condition that fully explains the issue.
  • Psychological factors are often connected to the onset or worsening of the symptoms.
  • Symptoms typically emerge in relation to psychological conflicts or stressors.
  • The disorder is not recognized as a culturally sanctioned behavior or experience.

• Factitious Disorder

  • Essential Features:
  • Involves the deliberate simulation of somatic complaints.
  • The purpose of this simulation is to achieve some type of gain (e.g., sympathy, attention, or care from others when assuming the sick role).

Reference Data

• Data sourced from Kurlansik S, Maffei M: Somatic symptom disorder, Am Fam Physician 93(1):49, 2016.