Somatic Symptom Disorders
Introduction to Somatic Symptom Disorders
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is when a young person has physical symptoms (like pain, dizziness, fatigue, stomachaches) and an excessive response to those symptoms—strong worry, frequent checking, or avoiding daily life because of them. The symptoms are real and distressing, whether or not a clear medical cause is found. SSD involves ongoing symptoms and health-related thoughts/behaviors that affect daily functioning (typically for 6 months or more). Related conditions include illness anxiety and conversion (functional neurologic) symptoms.
When to seek care: If symptoms keep your teen from school, friends, or activities—or if multiple tests haven’t explained what’s happening—an evaluation can help.
Safety note:
If your child talks about suicide or has a plan to harm themselves or others, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. In the U.S., you can also call or text 988.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Biology and brain–body pathways that amplify pain or other sensations.
- Anxiety and stress, including health worries that grow over time.
- School, family, or social pressures that lead to checking, avoiding, or missing activities.
- Medical history: some teens also have other health conditions; new or changing symptoms should still be checked medically.
Excessive testing can sometimes worsen worry and should be targeted to rule out serious illness—then focus shifts to function and recovery.
Treatment and Management
Care at Texas Pediatric Mental Health Services (Houston) starts with a comprehensive evaluation: medical review to rule out urgent problems, a teen-friendly mental health assessment, and school/home input (with consent). We coordinate with your pediatrician and school.
What helps
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focused on the link between stress and symptoms, coping skills (breathing, relaxation, mindfulness), and graded return to normal routines like school and activities. Family involvement improves results.
- Rehabilitation/physical therapy to rebuild stamina and function.
- Parent coaching to support skills and reduce reassurance cycles.
- Medication (when needed) to target co-occurring anxiety or depression—used alongside therapy and rehab.
Goals: improve daily functioning and quality of life—even while some symptoms may persist at first. Many youth do well with early, coordinated care.