This is what its often like to have a somatoform disorder.
Somatoform disorders are also known as somatic symptom disorder (SSD).
Heres the thing, though.
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Somatoform disorders are actually pretty common.
One of the frustrating things about somatoform disorders is that the exact causes arent really clear.
However, there are certain risk factors that may make you more likely to experience it.
Its just that a medical professional will not be able to determine what exactly is causing the symptoms.
Heres what to know about some of the types of disorders that are related to somatoform disorder.
Functional Neurologic Disorder
Functional neurologic disorder used to be referred to asconversion disorder.
There may have been a preceding stressful event to the onset of symptoms.
Illness Anxiety Disorder
Illness anxiety disorderwas previously known as hypochondriasis, and colloquially referred to as hypochondria.
You may or may not be experiencing physical symptoms with this condition.
Living with a somatoform disorder can be like carrying a heavy, invisible backpack, she describes.
Emotionally, it’s draining and anxiety-inducing.
Physically, the symptoms are real and often painful.
Lets take a look at how the disorder can affect different aspects of your life.
Physical Challenges
The physical manifestations of somatoform disorder are real, and can be intense at times.
Symptoms are not being feigned, Javed-Payne reminds.
They are felt as completely authentic by the person whos experiencing them.
The condition can absolutely strain relationships, says Javed-Payne.
Because it is not a widely understood condition, it can be very isolating and further exacerbate symptoms.
One emotion that many experience is the feeling of being isolated and misunderstood.
Coping Strategies and Self-Help
We get it.
Living with somatoform disorder is not easy at all.
But you should know that help is available.
There are many therapists and healthcare professionals who understand the condition and can help you.
CBT helps in understanding the connection between mind and body and in developing coping strategies, she says.
Relaxation exercises, meditation, and stress management are helpful, Worley adds.
There are no FDA-approved medications for somatic symptom disorders, although antidepressants may be used to treat psychiatric comorbidities.
Therapy can help, as can having an understandingnetworkto keep you grounded.
When people describe life with a somatoform condition, lonely is one of the first words that pop up.
The reality is, though, that you are not alonenot at all.
Not only do many folks live with this condition, but there is help out there for you.
You dont have to navigate these choppy waters alone.
like reach out to a healthcare provider or therapist for support.
American Psychiatric Association.What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
DSouza RS, Hooten WM.Somatic Symptom Disorder.
StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
Stonnington CM, Driver-Dunckley E, Noe KH, Locke D.Functional neurologic and somatic symptom disorders.BMJ Best Practice.
2021;10(14):3159. doi:10.3390/jcm10143159
