Diagnosis information

Somatic symptom disorder

Core diagnostic criteria, specifiers, differential considerations, and documentation support in one open, scan-friendly view.

F45.1Somatic & FunctionalLocal clinical reference

Criteria: 3 criteria, A–C
Specifiers: 5 specifiers
Differentials: 5 considerations
Severity specifier: Supported

Core diagnostic criteria

All criteria are shown. No expand controls or hidden sections.

A
Core criterion A
≥1 somatic symptom that is distressing or results in significant disruption of daily life
B
Core criterion 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
Core criterion 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)

Specifiers

With predominant pain (previously pain disorder): Somatic symptoms primarily experienced as pain with disproportionate psychological response.
Persistent: Symptoms and associated excessive thoughts/behaviours present for more than six months.
Mild: One excessive cognitive/emotional/behavioural feature present.
Moderate: Two or more excessive features present.
Severe: Two or more excessive features plus multiple or very severe somatic symptoms.

Documentation support

Consistent with [Somatic Symptom Disorder] [specifier(s)]. Over at least several months, there have been one or more distressing somatic symptoms; persistent thoughts about the seriousness of symptoms; disproportionate and persistent health-related worry; high levels of health-related anxiety; excessive time and energy devoted to health concerns, forming a pattern meeting the threshold for a somatic symptom-focused syndrome with persistent and excessive cognitive, emotional, or behavioural responses to symptoms. The presentation is further characterised by chronic preoccupation with bodily sensations; repeated medical consultations; fluctuating symptom intensity. These symptoms have resulted in clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or interpersonal functioning.

Adapt this supplied template to the assessment. It is not a substitute for diagnostic reasoning or local documentation requirements.

DSM-5 DiagnosisDSM-som-somatic-symptom-disorderSupplied local catalogue