Somatic symptom disorder involves a person having a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, that results in major distress and/or problems functioning. The individual has excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviours relating to the physical symptoms. The physical symptoms may or may not be associated with a diagnosed medical condition, but the person is experiencing symptoms and believes they are sick (that is, not faking the illness).

People with somatic symptom disorder typically go to a primary care provider rather than psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Sometimes it can be difficult for individuals with somatic symptom disorder to understand that their concerns about their symptoms are excessive. They may continue to be fearful and worried even when they are shown evidence that they do not have a serious condition. Somatic symptom disorder usually begins by age 30. Some of the symptoms show as follows:

• One or more physical symptoms that are distressing or cause disruption in daily life
• Excessive thoughts, feelings or behaviours related to the physical symptoms or health concerns with at least one of the following:
• Ongoing thoughts that are out of proportion with the seriousness of symptoms
• Ongoing high level of anxiety about health or symptoms
• Excessive time and energy spent on the symptoms or health concerns

At least one symptom is constantly present, although there may be different symptoms and symptoms may come and go

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