Diagnosis Of Somatic Symptom Disorder Research Articles

The often missed diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder in sexual dysfunction: recognizing symptoms and management tips for clinicians.

The often missed diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder in sexual dysfunction: recognizing symptoms and management tips for clinicians.

Neuropsychological features of somatic symptom disorder and depression/anxiety in Taiwan: An analysis based on the comorbidity status

Individuals with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) often have comorbid depression or anxiety, but whether SSD is associated with specific neuropsychological functions has yet to be fully examined. We analyzed which neuropsychological features are more closely associated with SSD, anxiety, and depression. In this case-control study, we recruited 140 individuals with SSD, 104 individuals with affective disorders without SSD, and 159 healthy controls in Taiwan. We collected DSM-5 diagnoses, questionnaire scores, and performance on eight tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) for each participant. Several CANTAB tasks involving attention, executive function, and social cognition showed significant group differences. In the adjusted analysis, the tasks significantly associated with SSD were the Match to Sample Visual Search (MTS) and the Emotion Recognition Task (ERT). Among the questionnaires, the Cognitions about Body and Health Questionnaire showed the most significant associations with the tasks, specifically with Rapid Visual Information Processing, MTS, Paired Associates Learning, Spatial Working Memory, Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift, and ERT. We conclude that the MTS and ERT tasks show significant relationships with both SSD diagnosis and related questionnaires. These tasks primarily involve selective attention and negative emotion regulation.

Prevalence of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Students of Tertiary Educational Institutes in Pakistan and Its Correlation With Academic Performance and Sleep Quality

Objective: Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a disorder characterized by several somatic symptoms without medical explanation. SSD has been a burden on healthcare for ages and its awareness is not widespread among the healthcare professionals or population. This study aims to find out the prevalence of SSD among university students in Pakistan and whether it is affecting their academic performance or sleep quality. Methods: It is an observational study conducted in Pakistan in June 2023. A sample size of 381 participants was used. Patient Health Questionnaire-15 was used as SSD diagnosis, Academic Performance Scale for measuring academic performance, and Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire for rating sleep quality. SPSS software 27.0 was used as a statistical tool for analysis using descriptive statistic and tests like frequency, chi-square, and crosstabs. Results: The study found a 48.8% prevalence of SSD among Pakistani students, with higher rates in females (65.6%), and no age-related correlation (p=0.341). Furthermore, the relation between academic performance of students with SSD was significant (p<0.001), whereas sleep quality was unaffected by SSD (p=0.281). Conclusion: The frequency of SSD is approximately 48.8% among the students in Pakistan. This high prevalence has been recorded to negatively affect the academic performance of the students and is more prevalent in females than males. However, it is not related to age and it does not cause any sleep disturbance. Future studies should focus on the risk factors of SSD and better treatment plans for effective control and awareness of this disorder.

Applying the Somatic Symptom Disorder Diagnosis to Individuals with Fibromyalgia: Strengths and Limitations

Amidst broad changes to the somatic disorder diagnoses, DSM-IV pain disorder was absorbed into DSM-5’s somatic symptom disorder (SSD) as a specifier. However, clinical research testing of its use for the chronic pain population has been limited and its utility remains inconclusive. Using the exemplar of fibromyalgia, this article evaluates the validity, reliability, clinical utility, and acceptability of the SSD pain specifier. The diagnosis appears to have moderate validity but low specificity for the fibromyalgia population. The pain specifier has neither undergone sufficient field testing nor been evaluated for use by medical providers, with available data suggesting low reliability. Further research is needed to establish clinical utility via assessment of differential treatment outcomes. Concerns about social, legal, and economic consequences of classifying pain patients with a mental health diagnosis are outstanding. The current SSD criteria should be used with caution among the fibromyalgia patient population until its application for chronic pain has been further researched.

The distribution of somatic symptom disorder and bodily distress syndrome in general hospital outpatients in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and bodily distress syndrome (BDS) and analyze the differences in psychosocial characteristics of patients with the two diagnoses. MethodsA total of 694 general hospital outpatients completed the diagnostic interviews for SSD and BDS, and a set of questionnaires evaluating their psychosocial characteristics. A secondary analysis of these data is done. ResultsSSD and BDS had a moderate overlap (kappa value = 0.43). Patients who fulfilled both SSD and BDS diagnosis showed significantly higher levels of symptom-related psychological distress (SSD-12), somatic symptom severity (PHQ-15), depression (PHQ-9), and general anxiety (GAD-7), as well as lower mental and physical quality of life (SF-12) compared to patients with neither diagnosis and patients with only one diagnosis. Patients with either diagnosis were associated with significantly higher psychosocial impairments as compared to those with neither diagnosis. Patients who only met SSD had higher SSD-12 scores, whereas those with only BDS had higher PHQ-15 scores (p<0.001). ConclusionsSSD and BDS appear to represent somewhat different psychopathologies, with SSD more associated with psychological distress and BDS associated with greater experience of somatic symptoms. Patients fulfilling both diagnosis show higher symptom severity in various psychosocial aspects.

81.1 Standardization of Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorders in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Settings

81.1 Standardization of Diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorders in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Settings

Validity and clinical utility of distinguishing between DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder in pathological health anxiety: Should we close the chapter?

ObjectiveTo investigate the validity and clinical utility of distinguishing between DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and illness anxiety disorder (IAD) in pathological health anxiety: the excessive and recurrent fear of, or preoccupation with, having or developing a serious health condition. MethodsWe compared SSD to IAD in pathological health anxiety (N = 334) with regard to concurrent, antecedent, and predictive validators. This was primarily a cross-sectional study, though we studied the effect of CBT longitudinally. Because we were interested in the discriminatory value of SSD and IAD over and above trait health anxiety, we used trait health anxiety as a covariate. ResultsSSD (68%; 228/334) vs. IAD (32%; 106/334) differences were mostly non-significant and small in sociodemographics, core clinical characteristics, apparent course, etiological attribution, and physician visits (gs = −0.18–0.20; RRs = 0.84–1.09; IRRs = 0.87–0.99). However, SSD was associated with a significantly higher somatic symptom burden (gs = 0.20–0.72), more psychologist visits (IRR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.24–3.28), and slightly higher disability (g = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.03–0.42). There was no significant difference in symptom reduction during CBT (g = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.37-0.05). ConclusionAlthough not all differences between SSD and IAD in pathological health anxiety seem to be explained by the level of trait health anxiety, the SSD vs. IAD distinction appears to convey little useful information in pathological health anxiety. Tentatively, considering the well-documented clinical characteristics and effective clinical interventions, it is probably most helpful to regard pathological health anxiety as a de facto anxiety or perhaps obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder, regardless of the DSM-5 diagnosis of SSD or IAD.

Somatic symptom disorder, neurology and long Covid: understanding what cannot be explained

The neurological symptoms associated with long Covid are incredibly varied, with the origin of these symptoms not clearly understood among clinicians. For many, the neurological symptoms of long Covid have been linked to a form of somatic symptom disorder, with some people requiring psychiatric management. Sarah Palmer provides a summary on the nature of somatic symptom disorder and discusses a recent publication that links a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder to the unexplained neurological symptoms in patients with long Covid.

Somatic symptom disorder in patients with post-COVID-19 neurological symptoms: a preliminary report from the somatic study (Somatic Symptom Disorder Triggered by COVID-19)

ObjectivesTo assess the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection, also referred to as long COVID.DesignSingle-centre observational study.ParticipantsAdult patients experiencing unexplained...

BAD NEWS FOR HYPOCHONDRIACS: Covid-19 Associated Aggravation of Somatic Symptom Disorder with Psychotic Depression

IntroductionThe Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it far-reaching consequences that affect the mental health of a significant population. Those suffering from somatic symptom disorder (SSD) present a significant focus on physical symptoms, with excessive thoughts and behaviours, to an extent that results in major distress and dysfunction. Aggravation of SSD could be associated with various stressors, including the current pandemic, and culminate in an increased severity of the base presentation.ObjectivesThe authors present the case of an elderly man with previous diagnosis of SSD which began to aggravate and evolve into a depressive psychotic state, precipitated by the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.MethodsThe authors conducted a non-systematized literature review with focus on those articles most pertinent to the topic in question as well as presenting a clinical case as compliment.ResultsWith the pandemic overwhelming the globe, the literature has demonstrated a significant correlation with aggravation of mental health and psychiatric cases. The patient in question was previously followed in consultation for SSD. With the pandemic acting as precipitating stressor, the patient demonstrated a significant aggravation in his base presentation with the development of psychotic depression. He was subsequently hospitalized with implementation of psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological methods, with remission of the psychotic state, with poor response of the SSD.ConclusionsExternal stressors are an important influence on psychiatric disorders. Whenever potential life stressors, especially those that exert influence on a global scale, the psychiatrist should be attentive to the possibility of significant aggravation of a stabilized clinical picture and offer support.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Epidemiology and prevalence of somatic symptom disorder at the primary care level in Muscat, Oman: A cross-sectional study.

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a diagnostic classification to describe the occurrence of physical symptoms without organic cause. This study aimed to identify prevalence rates and associated characteristics of SSD among adults in primary care settings. This cross-sectional study took place between July 2020 and March 2021 and included a random selection of 3383 Omani adults attending 12 primary healthcare centres in Muscat Governorate. Screening was conducted using an Arabic version of the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). A total of 2000 adults participated in the study (response rate: 67.3%), of which most were female (71.7%) and under 50 years old (86.2%). Based on their SSS-8 scores, 602 participants (17.8%) had SSD, resulting in an overall prevalence estimate of 30.1% (95% confidence interval: 28.13-32.15). Significant associations were observed between SSD and age (p = 0.002), gender (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.030) and chronic comorbidities (p = 0.001). In addition, adjusted odds ratio estimates revealed SSD to be significantly associated with gender (p < 0.001), education level (p < 0.001) and chronic comorbidities (p = 0.001). The estimated prevalence of SSD in primary care settings is high compared to reports from elsewhere in the Gulf region. There is an urgent need to enhance the diagnosis of SSD at the primary care level in order to reduce healthcare service overutilisation and patient dissatisfaction. Moreover, healthcare practitioners should be aware of the effect of age, gender, educational status and chronic comorbidities on somatic symptoms.

Prevalence of DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder in Chinese patients with breast cancer.

The aims of this study were to explore the frequency of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and the relationship between SSD and somatic, psychological, and social factors in Chinese patients with breast cancer. This multicenter cross-sectional study enrolled 264 patients with breast cancer from three different departments in Beijing. The structured clinical interview for fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SCID-5) for SSD. Standardized questionnaires and clinical data were used to compare patients with and without SSD. Somatic symptom disorder was diagnosed in 21.6% (57/264) of all enrolled patients. No differences were found between SSD patients and non-SSD patients in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and tumor-specific variables, except radiotherapy. However, patients with SSD reported higher levels of depression, anxiety and cancer-related worry. They also showed a longer duration of symptoms, greater impairment in daily life, more concern over their physical complaints and more doctor visits. In a stepwise binary logistic regression analysis, among others, higher health anxiety (WI-8, Exp(B)=0.107, p=0.009) and more doctor visits (OR=-1.841, p<0.001) showed a significant association with SSD; the model explained 53.7% of the variance. Similar to other physical diseases, there is a high prevalence of SSD in patients with breast cancer. Somatic symptom disorder patients differ from non-SSD patients by exhibiting higher cancer-related emotional distress and dysfunctional illness perception and behavior. There remain substantial challenges in the diagnosis of SSD in patients with cancer and other medical conditions. ChiCTR2100051525.

Somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain treated by electroconvulsive therapy: a case report

<h3>Introduction</h3> Somatic symptom disorder is a challenging condition for which there are limited pharmacological modalities available for treatment. There have been no epidemiologic studies on somatic symptom disorder since the adoption of DSM-5 in 2013, but somatic symptom disorder has been considered with a prevalence of around 5 % based on previous research in somatization disorder (Creed et al. 2004). The diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder is often delayed. As somatic symptoms progress to the level of functional decline, patients are eventually referred to psychiatrists for additional assessment and treatment. Unfortunately, the underlying neurobiology of this condition is largely unknown. Given these circumstances, the current treatment guideline recommends initial treatment targeting comorbid depressive symptoms or anxiety as well as a cognitive behavior approach. Patients benefit from scheduled visits with a primary care provider and collaborative care among all providers (Kurlansik et al. 2016). The goal of treatment is not to cure symptoms but the management of symptoms to maintain an individual's function in life. However, there are certain refractory and debilitating cases of somatic symptom disorder despite multiple trials and therapeutic approaches. As with the indication of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for refractory depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, there have been several case reports highlighting ECT for the treatment of somatic symptom disorder (Gahr et al. 2011, Suda et al. 2008). <h3>Methods</h3> We present a case of somatic symptom disorder (with predominant pain in chest, abdomen, and back) refractory to multiple medications without primary mood disorders, which was eventually treated with an acute course of ECT. <h3>Results</h3> A 68-year-old male with no previous psychiatric history self-presented to the emergency room with the chief complaint of pain frequently over the course of three years, with greater than 50 presentations in 12 months. Chief complaints included left-sided-chest pain, facial paresthesias, and numbness and tingling sensation in his left arm and ankle. Broad medical workup including EKG, troponin, EMG, chest and abdomen CT, brain and whole spine MRI showed no medical cause for the pain. Trials of duloxetine, nortriptyline, gabapentin, Tramadol and hydromorphone were tried without improvement. Weekly cognitive behavioral therapy for his nonadaptive health seeking behavior and anxiety was conducted. Eventually, he was admitted to the hospital to pursue an ECT trial to target his chronic pain symptoms diagnosed as a somatic symptom disorder. Prior to his initial ECT treatment, pain was rated as 10 plus out of 10. Following one ECT treatment, pain was rated as two on the day of treatment. He initially experienced side effects of ECT including generalized confusion and disorientation to time and place, however this resolved within several hours. Pain increased to 5 one day after the first ECT, however it continued to improve over the course of receiving ECT with 0 after the sixth session over the two weeks. Throughout the course of ECT, his mood was reported as "fine" with a stable score of 15 in PHQ-9. <h3>Conclusions</h3> We suggest that ECT could be considered as a possible treatment option for refractory somatic symptom disorder. It is unclear about the efficacy of ECT for somatic symptom disorder with the current evidence base. Further research with a large number of cases and with a focus on the biological approach are still needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action to support the indication of ECT for somatic symptom disorder. <h3>This research was funded by</h3> All authors have no funding to report.

Somatic symptom disorder: a scoping review on the empirical evidence of a new diagnosis.

In 2013, the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) was introduced into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This review aims to comprehensively synthesize contemporary evidence related to SSD. A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. The main inclusion criteria were SSD and publication in the English language between 01/2009 and 05/2020. Systematic search terms also included subheadings for the DSM-5 text sections; i.e., diagnostic features, prevalence, development and course, risk and prognostic factors, culture, gender, suicide risk, functional consequences, differential diagnosis, and comorbidity. Eight hundred and eighty-two articles were identified, of which 59 full texts were included for analysis. Empirical evidence supports the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of SSD diagnostic criteria, but the further specification of the psychological SSD B-criteria criteria seems necessary. General population studies using self-report questionnaires reported mean frequencies for SSD of 12.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.5-13.3%], while prevalence studies based on criterion standard interviews are lacking. SSD was associated with increased functional impairment, decreased quality of life, and high comorbidity with anxiety and depressive disorders. Relevant research gaps remain regarding developmental aspects, risk and prognostic factors, suicide risk as well as culture- and gender-associated issues. Strengths of the SSD diagnosis are its good reliability, validity, and clinical utility, which substantially improved on its predecessors. SSD characterizes a specific patient population that is significantly impaired both physically and psychologically. However, substantial research gaps exist, e.g., regarding SSD prevalence assessed with criterion standard diagnostic interviews.

Clinical and psychobehavioral features of outpatients with somatic symptom disorder in otorhinolaryngology clinics

ObjectiveIn the Otorhinolaryngology Department, patients exhibiting somatic symptoms without a medical cause are frequently neglected and left untreated. The aim of this study was to characterize the psychosomatic features of outpatients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) to better identify patients needing treatment. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 883 consecutive patients with medically unexplained symptoms. A semistructured clinical interview was employed to confirm the diagnosis of SSD. Data, including sociodemographic and clinical measures, were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and Somatic Symptom Scale-China (SSS-CN) were used to assess the severity of somatic symptoms; the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression; the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) was used to assess anxiety; and the 12-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-12) was used to assess quality of life (QoL). ResultsBased on the DSM-5 criteria, 641 patients were placed in the SSD group, and 212 were placed in the normal group. Compared with the normal group, the SSD group had significantly more doctor visits, longer symptom durations, higher GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores, and lower physical composite scores (PCSs) and mental composite scores (MCSs). Spearman's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses showed that the SSS-CN score, PHQ-15 score and the patient's subjective feeling that his or her daily life was affected by the disorder were significant risk factors for low PCSs; the SSS-CN, PHQ-15, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores were independent risk factors for low MCSs. ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that SSD patients are not rare in otorhinolaryngology clinics in China and that their QoL is significantly affected by SSD. Otolaryngologists should thoroughly evaluate these patients from the perspective of psychosomatic medicine.

Therapeutic Challeng es of COVID-19 in a Patient Admitted to the Psychosomatic Ward: A Case Report

Introduction: Early diagnosis of 2019-nCoV infection is of great importance and can be challenging in psychiatric patients, especially when a mental illness such as somatoform disorder causes one or more bodily symptoms because the clinical features of this group of patients may be more confusing compared with non-psychiatric patients. On the other hand, treating this infection in psychiatric patients faces some challenges. Case Presentation: A case of the 2019-nCoV infection is reported in a patient who was admitted to the psychosomatic ward with a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder. The patient had a history of numerous unexplained physical complaints, usually complained of some new physical symptoms when informed of the time of his discharge. Although the possibility of misdiagnosis was high, based on examinations and some paraclinical evaluations, the patient underwent a simultaneous diagnosis of COVID-19. Unlike usual, he did not complain of any new physical complaints after informing of the 2019-nCoV infection and was willing to be discharged. Some diagnostic and therapeutic challenges regarding 2019-nCoV infection in the patient were examined. Conclusions: There are three clinically relevant learning points to be noted from this case report. Firstly, the importance of paying attention to the patient's complaints in any mental patient, even disorders related to unexplained physical complaints. Secondly, the introduction highlights the differences in the care of patients with COVID-19 between psychiatric and non-psychiatric patients and the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Third, this introduction identifies a crucial diagnostic role for CT thorax in symptomatic patients with suspected COVID-19 because the false-negative rate with RT-PCR COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swabs is high.

Integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy and gratitude therapy for treating somatic symptom disorder with schizoid-avoidant personality features: A case report

This study presents a brief treatment report of a 22-year-old-female, with a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder and exacerbated by schizoid-avoidant personality features. Both conditions induced anxiety and many other difficulties in her functioning. Her negative self-views were the main issues that led to excessive negative emotionality, both internally (somatization) and externally (interpersonal relationship difficulties). The purpose of this case report is to illustrate an integrated treatment process consisting of cognitive-behavioral therapy and gratitude therapy. Gratitude therapy helps to alter the preoccupation of negative perspectives. Conclusions on the effectiveness of treatment were interpreted with an eye on the study’s methodological limitations.

Briquet syndrome revisited: implications for functional neurological disorder.

With the creation of the Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders category of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition in 2013, the functional neurological (symptom) disorder diagnostic criteria underwent transformative changes. These included an emphasis on ‘rule-in’ physical examination signs/semiological features guiding diagnosis and the removal of a required proximal psychological stressor to be linked to symptoms. In addition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition somatization disorder, somatoform pain disorder and undifferentiated somatoform disorder conditions were eliminated and collapsed into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition somatic symptom disorder diagnosis. With somatic symptom disorder, emphasis was placed on a cognitive-behavioural (psychological) formulation as the basis for diagnosis in individuals reporting distressing bodily symptoms such as pain and/or fatigue; the need for bodily symptoms to be ‘medically unexplained’ was removed, and the overall utility of this diagnostic criteria remains debated. A consequence of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition restructuring is that the diagnosis of somatization disorder that encompassed individuals with functional neurological (sensorimotor) symptoms and prominent other bodily symptoms, including pain, was eliminated. This change negatively impacts clinical and research efforts because many patients with functional neurological disorder experience pain, supporting that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition would benefit from an integrated diagnosis at this intersection. We seek to revisit this with modifications, particularly since pain (and a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition somatization disorder comorbidity, more specifically) is associated with poor clinical prognosis in functional neurological disorder. As a first step, we systematically reviewed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition somatization disorder literature to detail epidemiologic, healthcare utilization, demographic, diagnostic, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, psychosocial, neurobiological and treatment data. Thereafter, we propose a preliminary revision to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition allowing for the specifier functional neurological disorder ‘with prominent pain’. To meet this criterion, core functional neurological symptoms (e.g. limb weakness, gait difficulties, seizures, non-dermatomal sensory loss and/or blindness) would have ‘rule-in’ signs and pain (>6 months) impairing social and/or occupational functioning would also be present. Two optional secondary specifiers assist in characterizing individuals with cognitive-behavioural (psychological) features recognized to amplify or perpetuate pain and documenting if there is a pain-related comorbidity. The specifier of ‘with prominent pain’ is etiologically neutral, while secondary specifiers provide additional clarification. We advocate for a similar approach to contextualize fatigue and mixed somatic symptoms in functional neurological disorder. While this preliminary proposal requires prospective data and additional discussion, these revisions offer the potential benefit to readily identify important functional neurological disorder subgroups—resulting in diagnostic, treatment and pathophysiology implications.

Medically unexplained symptoms in the times of COVID-19 pandemic: A case-report

In early 2020, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) leading to a potentially fatal condition was discovered. Since then, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread worldwide becoming a pandemic. Beyond the risks strictly related to the infection, concerns have been expressed for the psychological impact that COVID-19 may have, especially on vulnerable individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is characterized by a dysfunctional preoccupation with physical symptoms leading to excessive and unnecessary healthcare utilization. Despite being quite common, such condition remains underrecognized. We report a detailed clinical case of a 16 years old adolescent, who presented with a history suggestive of COVID-19 infection and associated psychological distress. Despite testing negative for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, his extreme and persisting health preoccupations required an inpatient admission to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit. He responded rapidly to a low dose of antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Based on his medical history and current presentation, he received a diagnosis of SSD. When COVID-19-like symptoms occur, we highlight the importance of differentially diagnosing a possible exacerbation of a pre-existing SSD, triggered by fear of being infected. This may help preventing further burden to the healthcare system.

Is severity a clinically meaningful specifier of somatic symptom disorder?

ObjectiveFew existing studies have investigated the clinical relevance of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) somatic symptom disorder (SSD) severity rated by clinicians. We examined the association of SSD severity with psychiatric and medical comorbidity, psychological features and help-seeking attitude and behaviours. MethodsA total of 123 patients with SSD were prospectively recruited and completed several types of self-report instrument. Information about medical comorbidity and healthcare use was gathered from the participants and medical record review. Common comorbid psychiatric diagnoses of SSD were assessed by psychiatrists. Group differences of patients with SSD of varying severity were assessed with ANOVA and chi-square tests. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between SSD severity and psychological features. ResultsPrevalence of medical comorbidity and comorbid psychiatric diagnoses of SSD was not significantly different among patients with varying SSD severity. Patients with severe SSD had the highest Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Health Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores. Help-seeking behaviour was not associated with SSD severity. After controlling for demographic variables, the associations between ‘severe SSD’ and the PHQ-15, HAQ, BDI-II and BAI scores were significant. ConclusionSSD severity rated by clinicians was not associated with comorbid medical or psychiatric diagnoses. Compared to patients with mild/moderate SSD, patients with severe SSD not only had higher somatic distress and health anxiety but also higher levels of anxiety/depression. However, SSD severity was not associated with help-seeking attitude and behaviour.