Treatment FAQ

what would potentially effective treatment look like to address a somatic symptom disorder?

by Eugene Zulauf Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Medication

Somatic Symptom Disorder Treatment 1 Medications for Somatic Symptom Disorder. While medications are not the primary intervention for somatic disorders, they can be used to relieve the specific symptoms of these conditions. 2 Therapies for Somatic Symptom Disorder. ... 3 Treatment for Somatic Symptom Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions

Therapy

What connects all of the somatic disorders is that the psychological reaction to these symptoms is excessive or disproportionate. In other words, the somatic symptom disorder definition requires people to have somatic symptoms as well as maladaptive psychological reactions to them.

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In terms of antidepressant medication treatments for somatic symptom disorder, the most accurate statement basedon the research so far is antidepressants are effective but not significantly different from a placebo condition.

How to get help for somatic symptom disorder?

Fortunately, the most effective interventions for somatic disorders, especially CBT, also work well in the treatment of anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. An integrated program of group and individual CBT that coordinates care with a trusted physician will lead to the best outcomes for people with somatic disorders.

What connects all of the somatic disorders?

Are antidepressants effective for somatic symptom disorder?

Does CBT work for people with somatic disorders?

How do you treat somatic symptom disorder?

While somatic symptom disorder benefits from professional treatment, you can take some lifestyle and self-care steps, including these:Work with your care providers. ... Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. ... Get physically active. ... Participate in activities. ... Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.

What is the most effective treatment for somatization disorder?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best-studied and most effective treatment for somatoform disorders.

What is the focus in the current treatments for somatic symptom and related disorders?

Treatment of Somatic Symptom Disorders A strong doctor-patient relationship is key to getting help with SSD. Seeing a single health care provider with experience managing SSD can help cut down on unnecessary tests and treatments. The focus of treatment is on improving daily functioning, not on managing symptoms.

What are the different forms of treatments available for somatoform disorders?

Treatment options include medications, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs,21,22 and psychotherapy. 23 Nonpharmacologic treatment strategies (e.g., massage, acupuncture) may also be beneficial.

Which therapy do you find advantageous to treat somatoform disorders Why?

Cognitive behavior therapy has been found to be an effective treatment of somatoform disorders. It focuses on cognitive distortions, unrealistic beliefs, worry, and behaviors that promulgate health anxiety and somatic symptoms.

How can family members support and help someone with a somatic symptoms disorder?

Family can also assist the person suffering to track and record symptom information for later discussion with his/her provider. Family members can also play a valuable role in reassurance and communication with the person's healthcare team.

What are some examples of somatic symptoms?

These thoughts, feelings and behaviors can include:Constant worry about potential illness.Viewing normal physical sensations as a sign of severe physical illness.Fearing that symptoms are serious, even when there is no evidence.Thinking that physical sensations are threatening or harmful.More items...•

Can somatization disorder be cured?

Although there is no known cure for somatoform disorders, they can be managed. Treatment focuses on helping the person who has the disorder to live as much of a normal life as possible. Even with treatment, he or she may still have some pain or other symptoms.

What is the DSM-5?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, emphasizes these points in the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder: You have one or more somatic symptoms — for example, pain or fatigue — that are distressing or cause problems in your daily life.

How to get rid of a symtom?

Get physically active. A graduated activity program may have a calming effect on your mood, improve your physical symptoms and help improve your physical function. Participate in activities. Stay involved in your work and in social and family activities. Don't wait until your symptoms are resolved to participate.

How to help with physical symptoms?

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. Examine and adapt your beliefs and expectations about health and physical symptoms.

What does it mean when you have a high level of anxiety?

You have excessive and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of your symptoms, you have a persistently high level of anxiety about your health or symptoms, or you devote too much time and energy to your symptoms or health concerns.

What is medical information?

Medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions that you have. Medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements, and the dosages. Questions to ask your medical care provider or mental health professional.

How can family therapy help with depression?

Family therapy may also be helpful by examining family relationships and improving family support and functioning.

How can CBT help you?

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.

How Is Somatic Symptom Disorder Diagnosed?

There are various symptoms that someone can watch out for when detecting somatic symptom disorder in themselves or their loved ones. In addition to that, several criteria must be met for the medical health professional to diagnose the individual.

How Is Somatic Symptom Disorder Treated?

When treating somatic symptom disorder, the medical health professional must have a deep understanding of the individual's specific symptoms. This is crucial because everyone has a different experience with somatic symptom disorder.

ARE THERE ANY RELATED DISORDERS TO SSD?

Somatic symptom disorder is often misdiagnosed or confused with a variety of other related disorders. This can be crucial to the individual finding the right treatment plan and must be considered by the medical health professional before diagnosing somatic symptom disorder.

WHEN IS IT TIME TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL HELP?

Somatic symptom disorder is an extremely difficult disorder to diagnose because it often takes a long time to rule out all the other options. It also takes a very close relationship between the individual and the doctor to ensure they continue to see the progress necessary.

What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic symptom disorder is the feeling that something is wrong with you because of certain symptoms. These particular symptoms may be caused by medical conditions and at certain times they may not. The symptoms can vary greatly in severity and are usually different on a case by case basis.

The Signs and Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder

There are certain behaviors and tendencies that can indicate possible somatic symptom disorder. Before going into these signs, it’s important to speak on the symptoms part of the disorder. The symptoms someone may be experiencing may vary and could possibly be a sign of an underlying health condition. Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder:

Somatic Symptom Disorder and Substance Abuse

Due to the excessive reaction to physical symptoms, a person may end up developing a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders are when a person is struggling with a mental health illness and an addiction.

Somatic Symptom Disorder and Drug Abuse

The effects of somatic symptom disorder can take a huge toll on a person’s mind and body. Some people that suffer from somatic symptom disorder experience depression and anxiety. A feeling of hopelessness may overcome then because of their unrelenting symptoms.

Somatic Symptom Disorder Treatment

While somatic symptom disorder can be painful and stressful, there is always help around the corner. Centers like Behavioral Health Centers can help you or a loved one recover successfully and live a better, cleaner life. Somatic symptom disorder usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Let Us Help you Today

At Behavioral Health Centers, we’re ready to help you with your journey towards a healthy mind and life. Somatic symptom disorder can be painful and disorienting but with the right guidance, you can recover. Don’t wait to get proper treatment today. Contact us to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and available treatment resources.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Abhimanyu Chandak
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The main treatment is psychotherapy. Medication might be given in some cases.
Medication

Antidepressants: To reduce symptoms of depression.

Amitriptyline . Sertraline . Mirtazapine


Anxiolytics: To reduce distress with the symptoms

Clonazepam . Etizolam

Therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy:Changing negative patterns of thoughts and feelings. Encourages the gradual increase of activities.

Specialist to consult

Psychiatrist
Specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Clinical psychologist
Specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, emotional disturbance, and behavior problems.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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