What is somatic symptom disorder? A person with somatic symptom disorder has one or more somatic (physical) symptoms over a long period of time (usually half a year or more). Symptoms may or may not be explained fully by another medical diagnosis. The person may be reacting to normal bodily sensations or a minor illness. Somatoform disorders involve physical symptoms that can’t be explained by medical conditions, often believed to be linked to emotional or psychological distress. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) modified the entry titled somatoform disorders to somatic symptom and related disorders , and modified other diagnostic labels and criteria. What are functional disorders (previously known as somatoform)? Functional disorders are at one end of the scale of somatisation. So, the physical symptoms persist long-term, or are severe and cause significant disability, but there is no physical disease present to explain the symptoms. Symptoms of somatic symptom disorder may include: Specific symptoms, such as pain or shortness of breath. General symptoms, such as feeling very tired or weak. Symptoms not related to any medical cause. Symptoms related to a medical condition but that are more severe than usually expected. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD formerly known as somatization disorder or somatoform disorder ) is a form of mental illness that causes one or more bodily symptoms, including pain. Somatoform disorders involve physical symptoms suggesting illness or injury that any medical condition cannot fully explain. Symptoms are real and cause significant distress or impairment, but psychological factors like stress or trauma are likely involved in their manifestation. SSD involves excessive thoughts and behaviors about physical symptoms that cause distress and affect daily life. Symptoms like constantly checking your body or repeatedly asking about a symptom may suggest SSD. SSD is more common in females and often appears before age 30. What Are Somatoform Disorders? Somatoform disorders, now primarily classified as somatic symptom and related disorders in modern diagnostic manuals, represent a group of mental health conditions characterized by physical symptoms that cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Somatoform disorder is a mental health condition in which a person experiences physical symptoms that can’t be fully explained by a medical illness, along with excessive distress or preoccupation with those symptoms.