Though having unexplained physical symptoms can be upsetting, learning to recognize the source of your somatic experience will relieve pain. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) refers to distressing and medically unexplained symptoms that are either very severe or persist for a long time. People with SSD may see many doctors and are given numerous medical tests to find an explanation or treatment. Still, no physiological source can ever be found for their symptoms.
The experience of persistent physical symptoms without medical cause can diminish the quality of life and negatively impact relationships and daily routines. However, with a specialized treatment approach tailored to the unique needs of each individual, it is possible to gain insight into how psychological and social factors may contribute to somatic symptoms and learn new skills to manage the situation better.
At Granite Recovery Centers, our experienced clinical team utilizes a whole-person approach to address both the mind and body in treating SSD. We aim to assist clients in reducing symptoms and improving coping and recovery capability so they can achieve greater well-being through evidence-based psychotherapy, mindfulness practices and skills training.
Signs of Somatic Symptom Disorder
Since this is a medical condition that affects both the physical health and psychological state of an individual, at least one disturbing physical symptom will occur. Those with this disorder suffer real physical pains, which can cause grave suffering, severe handicaps, and even lead to bankruptcy. Whether these symptoms have a physical foundation is irrelevant. The core of the illness is this distress and disruption rather than any actual cause.
The seriousness and persistence of these symptoms differ among those diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. The most common symptoms include feverish pain and generally feeling unwell. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems are often associated with these symptoms.
SSD can start at any age and with any gender, but it usually begins early in adulthood. The illness occurs more often in women than men; those with a history of trauma or abuse are particularly susceptible.
Diagnosing somatic symptom disorder can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to those of other medical conditions. Healthcare providers will typically perform a thorough physical examination and run various medical tests before considering an SSD diagnosis. However, when clients have already undergone numerous medical evaluations and medical professionals have not found any underlying disease responsible for the symptoms, SSD is most likely.
Somatic symptom disorder is common and can disrupt clients’ daily life. Medical attention is necessary to get an accurate diagnosis and be able to apply effective remedies to improve the condition. People with somatic symptom disorder and their families need to learn about the disorder so that they can make well-informed choices about healthcare.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria
At least one physical symptom is present in somatic symptom disorder. Immense anxiety related to physical symptoms worsens the pain that people with this disorder feel.
Pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders are typical of somatic symptom disorders. Other neurological symptoms include head pain or paralysis. Often, these symptoms go on for months or even years and invariably have a devastating effect.
Medical professionals use diagnostic guidelines to determine if a person has somatic symptom disorder. Both the physical symptoms and how the client deals with emotions or thoughts associated with those problems are considered. To be diagnosed with this disorder, someone must have recurring or persistent physical symptoms that create severe distress in life and compromise normal functioning.
The individual must also have persistent thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are disproportionate to the severity of the symptoms or medical evidence. Examples include excessive worrying about the symptoms, too many medical tests or visits to doctors, and avoidance of activities and situations that make them worse.
Managing somatic symptoms calls for psychotherapy combined with medication, along with education about the condition and suggestions for better ways of dealing with physical symptoms.
Psychological Factors
The psychological factors in somatic symptom disorder are that clients suffer from physical symptoms with no underlying physical cause. Psychological symptoms are always part of the disorder. Stress and anxiety are probably the most prevalent psychological factors, which can worsen or even initiate somatic symptoms. All these lead to many different physical symptoms, like headaches and stomach upsets, adopting all kinds of physiological responses caught between tense muscles.
Stress and Somatic Symptom Disorder
Stress is a collection of psychological and physiological responses to actual or imagined threats. At such times, the body secretes stress hormones, like cortisol, which increase heart rate and blood pressure and speed up sugar levels. These changes in the body could lead to headaches, stomach upsets and hyperactive nerve endings. If severe enough, they can even result in a diagnosis of SSD.
The relationship between stress and SSD is well-known. Those with more stress tend to suffer somatic symptoms. SSD has been linked with some stressful life experiences, like job loss, financial difficulties, and traumatic incidents. Also, chronic stress can bring about the development of certain conditions, like hypertension or diabetes. These increase the chances of suffering from somatic symptoms, too.
Anxiety Disorders and Somatic Symptom Disorder
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Excessive anxiety is a common symptom, and it can even induce physical symptoms, like heart palpitations or dizziness. Moreover, anxiety disorders also allow somatic symptom-related disorders, like illness anxiety disorder, to develop.
Emotions and Somatic Symptom Disorder
Emotions also can play a big part in the somatic symptoms seen among those with SSD. Somatic symptoms are known to be made worse by sadness, anger and fear. However, positive emotions, like happiness and contentment, have been found to reduce somatic symptoms.
The somatic amplification model is one explanation for this relationship between emotions and the body. This model suggests that individuals with SSD may be more aware and sensitive to bodily sensations, and negative emotions may amplify the experience of these sensations. The manifestation of somatic symptoms in response to emotional stressors highlights the importance of addressing emotional distress in the treatment of SSD.
Psychological factors are critical in the manifestation and seriousness of these somatic symptoms for people with SSD. Stress, anxiety and emotions may help bring about or worsen somatic symptoms. To treat SSD, these factors must be addressed through certain techniques, like stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. If psychological factors are considered, the overall health outcomes and quality of life for SSD can be improved.
Treatment Approaches
Somatic symptom disorder affects the body’s somatosensory perception. Those with SSD often experience severe distress and insufficiency due to their symptoms, which may include pain or gastrointestinal difficulties and extreme fatigue. Fortunately, numerous treatment approaches have been developed and validated to help effectively manage SSD symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The most widely studied and effective treatment for SSD is cognitive behavioral therapy for somatic symptom disorder. This is an effort to transform the thinking and actions that lead people to symptoms that are so frustrating. CBT involves the recognition and substitution of rigid, negative thought patterns with more adaptive ones to lower anxiety and stress.
Psychoeducation
Another treatment approach helpful for SSD clients is psychoeducation, also known as education therapy. The method educates people about their situation. They learn about what kind and number of symptoms they have and how to deal with them appropriately.
Psychoeducation aims to empower individuals with SSD and help them develop coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those who receive CBT, as it reinforces the skills taught during therapy sessions.
Stress Management
Stress is an essential factor in aggravating SSD symptoms, and stress memory techniques can be very effective in managing the condition. Stress management for somatic symptoms’ techniques, including mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises combined with progressive muscle relaxation, can help improve overall wellness. Regular physical exercise and getting enough sleep can also help reduce stress levels and improve SSD symptoms. Those who participated in stress management programs experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms as compared to those who did not participate.
Relaxation Techniques
Techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, aid people with SSD in relieving their psychological and physical symptoms. They also raise living standards. Using these methods can minimize the physical aspects of stress and anxiety. The frequent practice of relaxation techniques can also help people get in touch with their bodies and feel what they are doing, knowing how to tell where normal sensations end, and abnormal ones begin. This skill is essential in managing SSD.
Managing SSD requires a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the physical and psychological components of the disorder. Experiential treatments, which include elements of CBT, psychoeducation and stress management relaxation techniques, teach clients how to cope with their symptoms. Finding the right mental health professional is an essential step in a successful treatment plan.
Granite Recovery Centers’ Approach
The medical community realizes that psychological and physical health cannot be separated. An obvious instance is that, in somatic symptom disorder, the client experiences physical symptoms without any underlying medical cause. For those struggling with this condition, proper treatment is essential. That’s where our team comes in, offering specialized treatment for somatic symptom disorder that comprehensively addresses the individual needs of each client.
The Importance of Specialized Treatment Programs
Somatic symptom disorder can be challenging since it involves both physical and emotional factors. At Granite Recovery Centers, a specialized approach is necessary to help our clients achieve lasting wellness. Our skilled staff has experience in the intricacies of somatic symptom disorder and is capable of taking care of all aspects. By tailoring our care to the individual needs of every client, we improve outcomes.
Comprehensive Care Model
At Granite Recovery Centers, we take a comprehensive approach to treating somatic symptom disorder. That means looking at all the factors of the client’s health. We also know that somatic symptom disorder is usually the result of prior trauma or stress, together with other psychiatric problems.
The therapies involve CBT, trauma-informed care, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Clients with somatic symptom disorder can understand their problems through such techniques and learn to manage their physical symptoms and any accompanying mental health problem.
Along with individual therapy sessions, we offer group therapy and support groups to give clients a feeling of belonging.
Holistic Healing
At Granite Recovery Centers, we offer holistic healing. We attach much importance to the body, mind and spirit of each client. Yoga, mindfulness meditation and acupuncture are complementary therapies that help the individual relax and deal with stress.
We also regard nutrition and exercise as factors in total health. For example, our nutritionists teach clients how to eat the right meals in order to shorten their recovery time. They also help fitness trainers design routines of physical activity to incorporate into a daily schedule.
Continued Support
At Granite Recovery Centers, we know that recovery is an ongoing process. That’s why we offer continued support after our clients complete their treatment program. Our alumni program is a network of resources and support, including ongoing therapy sessions, events, and community groups for our graduates.
Clients who suffer from somatic symptom disorder can be challenging to treat, but, with good treatment and support, those afflicted often find long-term peace. At Granite Recovery Centers, we are experts in somatic symptom disorder management, and we provide tailored treatment programs for each client’s individual needs. The three components of our care model — holistic healing, tools for long-term recovery, and continuing support — give clients what they need to recover. If you or someone close to you is suffering with somatic symptom disorder, give us a call, or visit one of our centers.
