Somatic Symptom Disorder
Prevalence
The prevalence of somatic symptom disorder is not known.
The prevalence of somatic symptom disorder in the general adult population may be around 5%-7%.
Females tend to report more somatic symptoms than do males, and the prevalence of somatic symptom disorder is consequently likely to be higher in females.
Risk Factors
Temperamental
The personality trait of negative affectivity (neuroticism) has been identified as an independent correlate/risk factor of a high number of somatic symptoms.
Comorbid anxiety or depression is common and may exacerbate symptoms and impairment.
Environmental
Somatic symptom disorder is more frequent in individuals with few years of education and low socioeconomic status, and in those who have recently experienced stressful life events.
Symptoms
One or more somatic symptoms that are distressing or result in significant disruption of daily life.
Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the somatic symptoms or associated health concerns as manifested by at least one of the following:
Disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of one’s symptoms.
Persistently high level of anxiety about health or symptoms.
Excessive time and energy devoted to these symptoms or health concerns.
Although any one somatic symptom may not be continuously present, the state of being symptomatic is persistent (typically more than 6 months).