WHAT IS SOMATIC SYMPTOMS?

Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person has a

significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness
or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress
and/or problems functioning. The individual has excessive
thoughts, feelings and behaviors relating to the physical
symptoms.
Symptoms of Somatic disorder
1. Pain
2. Neurological symptoms such as headache, movement disorder, weakness, dizziness fainting.

Digestive symptoms
3. Abdominal pain
4. Bowel problems
5. Diahrea
6. Incontinence
7. Constipation

Sexual symptoms
8. Pain during sexual activity
9. Painful periods
  Treatment
 The goal of treatment is to improve your symptoms and your ability to function in
daily life. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can be helpful for somatic
symptom disorder. Sometimes medications may be added, especially if you're
struggling with feeling depressed.
 Psychotherapy
 Because physical symptoms can be related to psychological distress and a high
level of health anxiety, psychotherapy — specifically, cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) — can help improve physical symptoms.
 CBT can help you:

 Examine and adapt your beliefs and expectations about health and physical
symptoms
 Learn how to reduce stress

 Learn how to cope with physical symptoms

 Reduce preoccupation with symptoms

 Reduce avoidance of situations and activities due to uncomfortable physical

sensations
 Improve daily functioning at home, at work, in relationships and in social
situations
 Address depression and other mental health disorders
MEDICATIONS
 Antidepressant medication can help reduce symptoms
associated with depression and pain that often occur with
somatic symptom disorder.
 If one medication doesn't work well for you, your doctor
may recommend switching to another or combining
certain medications to boost effectiveness. Keep in mind
that it can take several weeks after first starting a
medication to notice an improvement in symptoms.