Differential consideration
Somatic symptom disorder
F45.1Somatic & Functional
Why consider it
prominent somatic symptoms; B criteria relate to those symptoms
Criteria and features to review
- A. ≥1 somatic symptom that is distressing or results in significant disruption of daily life
- B. Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviours related to the somatic symptoms or associated health concerns: ≥1 of: disproportionate/persistent thoughts about symptom seriousness; persistently high health anxiety; excessive time/energy devoted to symptoms/health concerns
- C. Somatic state may or may not coexist with diagnosed medical condition; must be persistently symptomatic (≥6 months, though any one symptom need not be continuously present)
Questions to clarify
- Which documented criteria and exclusions are met for each possibility?
- What timeline, course, and functional change best distinguishes the alternatives?
- Are substance, medication, medical, developmental, and contextual explanations adequately assessed?