What happens if somatization disorder is left untreated?
Feb 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Somatic symptom disorder, commonly referred to as somatization disorder, is a type of chronic mental illness. If left untreated, the condition tends to worsen over time, significantly affecting daily life and work. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by persistent worry or strong belief in having a physical illness. Patients with this disorder repeatedly emphasize various bodily discomforts they experience.
Somatic symptom disorder, commonly referred to as somatization disorder, is a chronic mental illness. If left untreated, the condition tends to worsen over time, severely affecting daily life and work.
Somatic symptom disorder is a type of mental disorder characterized by persistent worry or a strong belief that one has a serious physical illness. Patients frequently report various bodily discomforts, experience anxiety, and repeatedly seek medical consultations and tests. They often doubt normal test results. Even when a physical condition is present, its severity usually does not account for the level of distress and anxiety experienced by the patient. The onset typically occurs in early adulthood, and it is more common in women than in men.
The primary treatment for somatic symptom disorder is psychotherapy. During treatment, patients gradually gain an understanding of the nature of their condition, correct misconceptions, and reduce the impact of psychological factors. Additionally, under a doctor's guidance, low-dose antidepressants may be used to improve mood and alleviate symptoms. Low-dose anti-anxiety medications can also partially relieve symptoms in patients with somatization disorder.
