Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder: Recognizing the Symptoms and Seeking Help
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Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder: Recognizing the Symptoms and Seeking Help
A Closer Look at Somatic Symptom Disorder: Identifying the Signs and Getting Assistance
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a prevalent yet frequently misunderstood illness. It is a complex disorder that centrefolds people's lives with unbeknownst and often physically unexplainable symptoms, causing significant distress and impeding their daily living. Is it a question for you, "which disorder is an example of a somatic symptom disorder?" SSD is it.
Key Points Covered in this Article:
- Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder
- Recognizing the symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder
- Approaching mental health professionals for help
- Commonly asked questions about Somatic Symptom Disorder
What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Somatic Symptom Disorder, formerly and commonly known as somatization disorder or somatoform disorder, involves the physical manifestation of psychological distress. The sufferers of this disorder have a significant focus on bodily symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, that lead to major emotional distress and difficulty functioning.
In Aura Institute, we aim to aid individuals in understanding and combatting their mental health challenges by equipping them with the needed knowledge and providing professional assistance when needed.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder
The person suffering from SSD often expresses extreme anxiety about their symptoms. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Persistent thoughts about the severity of their symptoms
- Continual high level of anxiety about their health or symptoms
- Excessive time and energy spent worrying about their health or symptoms
Please note that the aforesaid symptoms should last for at least six months for a confirmed diagnosis of SSD.
A Real-Life Scenario
Consider this: One day, you start to feel a dull ache in your chest. You think it could be heartburn, and you ignore it. Days pass, but the pain doesn't go away. It starts becoming more intense and keeping you up at night. You start to think it could be something more serious – heart disease, maybe. You visit multiple doctors, undergo numerous diagnostic tests, but they can't find anything wrong. The pain doesn't go away, and it's driving you crazy. This is what experiencing a Somatic Symptom Disorder could feel like.
Seeking Professional Help for Somatic Symptom Disorder
When someone starts to exhibit these symptoms, the first point of action is to seek professional mental health advice immediately. Psychological assistance such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication can be beneficial.
Like most mental health disorders, SSD can be managed and treated effectively when identified and addressed promptly. Be sure to check out the Mental Health Training page on our website for professional help and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a mental health disorder characterized by an extreme focus on physical symptoms that causes significant distress and interferes with daily life.
2. Is Somatic Symptom Disorder a physical or mental illness?
SSD is a mental health disorder. However, sufferers experience real physical symptoms - they are not imagined.
3. Can Somatic Symptom Disorder be treated?
Yes, SSD can be managed effectively with treatment. This usually involves a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care.
While this disorder may seem daunting, remember that hope abounds and help is always available. If you or anyone you know has been experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals who can guide you through the process of understanding, managing, and treating SSD.
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.