Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a mental health condition characterized by an extreme focus on physical symptoms to the point of emotional distress and functional impairment. This occurs when an individual experiences physical pain, weakness, or other bodily sensations and interprets these symptoms as being more severe than they actually are. While the symptoms themselves may be real and sometimes even connected to legitimate medical conditions, the emotional and cognitive response to these symptoms tends to be excessive, overwhelming, and disproportionate. Importantly, individuals with SSD are not faking their illness; rather, they deeply believe that they are physically unwell and may struggle to accept reassurance from medical professionals.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder can be categorized into two broad groups: physical manifestations and cognitive-behavioural reactions to those symptoms. The most significant marker of SSD is not necessarily the presence of unusual symptoms, but rather the way in which an individual interprets and responds to ordinary bodily sensations.
✽ Physical Symptoms
- Specific and localized pain, which may be persistent or recurring.
- General tiredness and fatigue, often interfering with daily activities.
- Symptoms that may or may not be linked to a medical illness, making diagnosis more complex.
For example, a person might experience mild headaches or gastrointestinal discomfort but interpret these sensations as signs of a life-threatening disease. Over time, this hyperfocus can exacerbate physical discomfort, creating a cycle of distress that reinforces the disorder.
✽ Cognitive and Behavioural Symptoms
- Constant worry about potential illnesses, sometimes despite multiple medical tests showing no serious condition.
- Viewing normal physical sensations, such as muscle twitches or tiredness, as signs of dangerous diseases.
- Distrust of medical evaluations, leading to frequent doctor visits or second opinions.
- Repeatedly checking the body for abnormalities or changes, such as lumps, skin discoloration, or heart rate.
- Exaggerated emotional responses to minor discomforts, far beyond what most people would typically experience.
- Spending excessive time, energy, and financial resources on health concerns.
These behavioural patterns often become all-consuming, leaving individuals with little mental or emotional energy for work, relationships, or personal growth.
Treatment
In many cases, individuals first approach a physician when physical discomfort arises. When informed that there is no underlying medical condition, they may reject the reassurance, believing the physician has overlooked a serious illness. This refusal to accept medical findings is often one of the earliest signs of SSD.
If the behaviour persists, a physician may recommend consultation with a mental health professional. Because SSD involves a deeply held belief that the body is unwell, patients may initially resist psychological explanations for their symptoms. However, research shows that psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), can be highly effective. These therapeutic approaches help individuals reframe their thoughts, reduce compulsive body-checking, and learn healthier ways of interpreting physical sensations.
Medication may also play a role in treatment. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can reduce underlying psychological distress, which in turn lessens the focus on bodily symptoms. Treatment plans are usually tailored to each individual, combining psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and medical monitoring. A collaborative approach between physicians and psychologists often leads to the best outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single cause of Somatic Symptom Disorder. Instead, a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors contributes to its development. Some individuals may inherit a predisposition to heightened sensitivity to pain or bodily sensations. Others may have a family history of anxiety or depression, which are often associated with SSD.
Environmental and learned behaviours also play a role. If a child grows up observing parents or caregivers who react excessively to minor symptoms, they may internalize this behaviour and replicate it later in life. Similarly, individuals exposed to chronic illness in family members may become hypervigilant about their own health.
Risk factors for SSD include a generally negative mindset, difficulty managing stress, and a history of psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. Traumatic experiences, especially those involving medical emergencies, may also heighten the risk of developing SSD.
Impact on Daily Life
Somatic Symptom Disorder can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. Work performance may decline due to frequent absences or distraction from persistent health concerns. Relationships can become strained as friends, partners, and family members struggle to understand the intensity of the person’s worry. Financial stress may arise from repeated medical consultations, unnecessary tests, and alternative treatments. Over time, the disorder can create a self-reinforcing cycle: worry about health increases stress, stress worsens physical symptoms, and new or intensified symptoms fuel further worry.
Managing SSD: Practical Approaches
Beyond formal treatment, individuals with SSD can benefit from practical strategies to reduce distress:
- Education: Learning about the disorder helps individuals understand why symptoms feel so overwhelming and validates their experiences.
- Stress management: Techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditation can reduce overall anxiety levels.
- Structured routines: Maintaining a balanced schedule with sleep, exercise, and social activities can prevent health concerns from taking over daily life.
- Support systems: Engaging with family, friends, or support groups can provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Limiting doctor visits: Establishing a single primary care physician can prevent unnecessary tests and conflicting opinions that reinforce worry.
When these strategies are combined with professional therapy, many individuals report gradual improvement, learning to live with uncertainty while regaining a sense of control over their lives.
When to Seek Help
It is important to recognize when concern about health crosses into distressing or debilitating territory. If physical symptoms cause intense worry for more than six months, interfere with work or personal relationships, or lead to frequent medical visits without clear findings, professional support may be necessary. Early intervention can prevent SSD from becoming more entrenched and improve long-term outcomes.
We recommend This Video to those who wants to learn more about Somatic Symptom Disorder.
About Us
We are a team comprising psychologists based in Singapore endeavouring our best to prioritise our clients’ needs. When you embark on this journey with us, we take a collaborative approach where you and your psychologist work closely together, and listen to what you have to say — No judgments, and in a safe space. Meet our Team
Quick Links
Contact Us
150 Cecil Street #07-02 S069543
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 2pm
Sunday: 10am to 2pm (Online only)
Admin Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 8am to 2pm
© Copyright 2023 – Psychology Blossom | Privacy Policy | Terms
