Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders - An Overview

Introduction:

Individuals suffering from somatic symptoms face complicated situations. Psychological troubles occur due to their negative influence on physiological functions, as defined by inexplicable physical manifestations revealing underlying disorders. Stress typically results in bad moods and unfavorable attitudes toward life situations. Unlike life-threatening illnesses, this ailment negatively influences general wellness because chronically occurring symptoms such as stomach discomfort or persistent headaches have a negative impact.

Patients can become extremely frustrated when dealing with an ailment whose core cause (such as somatic-related disorders) is difficult to determine. They typically undergo many diagnostic examinations, which result in unfavorable results, resulting in increased helplessness and exasperation, attributes that exacerbate the intensity of the disease process they are already experiencing. Apart from being physically unpleasant, this illness interferes with other aspects of life, such as occupational fulfillment and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends.

What Are Somatic Symptom Related Disorders?

Disorders associated with somatic symptoms are characterized by bodily manifestations that cannot be related to another medical illness. Illness anxiety disorder, conversion disorder, and somatic symptom disorder are all examples of these mental health issues. One or more somatic symptoms that significantly disrupt or impede daily living are diagnostic of a somatic symptom disorder. Excessive concern or fear about having or getting a major illness is the hallmark of illness anxiety disorder. Neurological symptoms, such as weakness or paralysis with no known medical cause are diagnostic of conversion disease. These conditions, which can cause substantial suffering and functional impairment, should be diagnosed and treated by a trained mental health professional.

Why Do People Suffer From Conditions Associated With Somatic Symptoms?

People can have conditions that cause somatic complaints for a number of different reasons. Some people may be more likely to get these conditions because of their genes, while others may get them because of past suffering or stressful life events. Somatic symptoms can be caused by and made worse by psychological factors, such as anxiety and sadness. People who have been sick or in pain for a long time may also be more likely to develop somatic symptoms to deal with their physical and mental pain. Somatic symptoms may lack a clear physical source, yet they are nevertheless there and can strongly impact a person's quality of life. Obtaining the proper diagnosis and medicine can assist patients in dealing with their symptoms and feeling better overall.

Symptoms of Somatic Symptom-Related Disorders

Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder may be:

• A person may experience generic symptoms like fatigue and weakness, or they can be specific, like dyspnea (shortness of breath).

• The symptoms will not be significant enough to consider cancer or heart condition, but they will be problematic enough in a way that cannot be ignored.

• The symptoms vary in number and can range from one to several.

• The most common symptom is pain; as a result, the individual's thoughts and feelings keep circling back to them, disabling them from performing any regular activities.

• Constant worry about the illness and viewing normal physical sensations as signs of severe physical illness.

• Fear of symptoms is serious, even when there is no evidence and thinking that physical sensations are threatening and harmful.

• Feel that medical evaluation and treatment have not been adequate, along with a fear that physical activity may cause damage to the body.

• Patients with somatic-related disorders do not respond to any medication and have less tolerance for medication side effects.

What Is the Outlook of People With Somatic Symptoms Disorder?

This disorder is considered a chronic or long-term condition that can last for years, and in many cases, the symptoms can recur. The prognosis of such conditions is poor and may continue with mental illness. People generally stop considering their thoughts and ideas, which makes them feel ignored and leads to anxiety or depression. Therefore, treatment focuses on learning to manage and control symptoms and minimizing functional problems associated with the disorder.

What Are the Risk Factors For Somatic Related Disorders?

Commonly seen risk factors for somatic disorders are:

• Depression and anxiety.

• Previous medical history or currently recovering from a medical condition.

• A strong medical family history might predispose to inheritable medical conditions.

• Stress is caused either by trauma or past/continuing violence.

• Past or continuing sexual abuse.

• Lower socio-economic status and lack of education.

What Are the Complications?

Somatic symptom disorder can be associated with the following:

• Poor health.

• Problems in daily functioning, including regular physical activities.

• Problems in having or maintaining relationships.

• Need help to focus at work or being unemployed.

• Psychological complications like depression and anxiety.

• Increased risk of suicide due to depression.

• Financial burden because of frequent visits to the hospital.

• Multiple medical examinations, procedures, and therapies may increase the risk of adverse effects or health complications.

• Recurring episodes of this disorder not only give the affected person and their loved ones a great deal of emotional distress but also put a strain on healthcare resources, drive up costs, and make it difficult to do daily tasks.

How Is Somatic Symptom Disorder Diagnosed?

Psychiatrists and psychologists diagnose somatic symptom disorders. Medical history, physical symptoms, and psychological aspects are assessed to diagnose. The doctor will perform a physical checkup and prescribe tests to rule out any underlying medical issues. The doctor will also evaluate the symptoms' severity and influence on daily living. Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when one or more somatic symptoms are bothersome or disabling and persist for at least six months after medical evaluation and therapy. The doctor will also look for psychological problems like worry or depression that may be causing physical symptoms.

What Kind of Warning Signs Should You Look For in Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders?

Watch out for the following warning signs in illnesses that are defined by such somatic symptoms:

• Symptoms that last for a long time yet have no obvious medical cause.

• Repeated trips to the doctor or specialist to treat the same problems with no improvement.

• Intense anxiety or concern about contracting a life-threatening illness, despite receiving medical diagnosis and reassurance.

• An excessive focus on or anticipation of negative health outcomes associated with physical symptoms.

• Problems are performing routine tasks or concentrating on work because of physical discomfort.

• Refraining from doing things or going places because you fear it will worsen your physical issues.

• Symptoms that worsen or improve due to mental states, including stress or emotional anguish.

• Prior experience with traumatic or stressful situations.

• Intractable symptoms that refuse to respond to conventional medical treatment.

What Is the Treatment for Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders?

Most typically, a combination of the following approaches is used to treat somatic symptom disorder:

Supportive care :

Supportive care involves maintaining a positive doctor-patient relationship by keeping in touch with the patient on a frequent basis. The doctor can keep an eye on the patient's condition and react quickly to any changes that would indicate a serious health problem. Doctors typically take a strategy that prioritizes comforting the patient and avoiding unneeded procedures.

Anti-anxiety medications :

Mood problems and other somatic symptoms are sometimes treated with medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. Psychotherapy effectively reduces symptom severity by addressing underlying patterns of thought and action. Similarly, a person's social and occupational functioning can be enhanced with therapy. By calming the sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems, meditation helps people deal with stressful situations more effectively and avoid breakdowns and anxiety. Alternative treatments for somatic symptom diseases include: Moderate consumption of healthy foods, has been shown to have a soothing influence on mood, alleviate physical problems, and promote greater physical function. Cooperating With Medical Professionals Determine a regular visit plan to discuss concerns and build trust with the medical care provider and mental health practitioner. It is important to coordinate care with your healthcare professionals and minimize unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Stay away from alcohol and drugs you don't need; substance addiction can complicate treatment, so it is important to talk to the doctor if an individual thinks they might have a problem.

What Is the Prevention?

The following should be considered to prevent somatic symptom disorder–

• People suffering from anxiety or depression must seek professional help immediately.

• People should be aware of and recognize when they are under stress and how it affects the body and regularly practice stress management and relaxation techniques.

• If a symptom like somatic disorder is noticeable, it is advised to get treatment early to help stop symptoms from worsening and impairing the quality of life.

• Stick with the treatment plan to help prevent relapse or worsening of symptoms.

• Regular exercise for proper blood circulation and health management is necessary to prevent somatic symptom disorder.

• Proper interaction with the professionals and health relations so that the patients may not hesitate to talk about their feelings regarding the disease or over-thinking habits.

Conclusion:

After reading the above article, it is very clear that somatic symptom disorder can be treated with certain therapies, which tend the person to stop overthinking their health. The affected person needs to stop being obsessed with their health and thinking of the disease which has not entered their body. Instead of getting them treated for the disease that has not occurred, they can focus on their healthy diet, exercise, and daily routine care to protect themselves from any disease.