Understanding physical symptoms
Pain, tiredness and other physical symptoms can have many causes. In somatic symptom disorder, thoughts, feelings and behaviours related to symptoms can significantly affect daily life. Normal test results alone do not establish this diagnosis.
An important clarification
The term somatoform and some categories in the supplied note come from older frameworks. A known physical illness does not necessarily rule out somatic symptom disorder. Symptoms should not be dismissed as imaginary or unimportant.
How families can help
Listen and support regular, coordinated assessment. Do not assume new symptoms are caused by anxiety without assessment. Care may include psychotherapy and treatment of associated conditions, tailored to the individual.
About the study note
The Persian study note should be read alongside the clarification above; some of its definitions and classifications are outdated.
Further reading
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