Somatic Symptom Disorder

Somatic symptom disorder, often referred to as “chronic pain”, is a mental health condition in which people experience one or more physical symptoms that are accompanied by rumination and anxiety about the symptoms, and take up a lot of their time and energy. These symptoms make it difficult for them to function optimally day-to-day. 

In general, people with Somatic Symptom Disorder may suffer from any number of physical problems including:

• muscle pain 

• headaches 

• migraines 

• constant tiredness or fatigue

• body weakness

• constipation

• diarrhea

• bloating

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Somatic Symptom Disorders might be triggered by a physical injury but cause symptoms long after the physical body has healed, or they may occur without any apparent physical cause or physical damage. The complex nature of these disorders often lead people to spend a great deal of time consulting experts in the medical system without receiving relief or a clear understanding of the causes of their symptoms. 

Functional Neurological Disorder / Conversion Disorder

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a mental health condition characterized by neurological symptoms that cannot be easily attributed to a specific medical issue. FND may also be referred to as "conversion disorder," or "psychogenic neurological disorder.”

Typically, people with Functional Neurological Disorder may experience a range of neurological issues, including: 

• muscle weakness

• paralysis

• tremors

• seizures

• tics

• difficulty with balance

• problems with speech and vision 

These types of symptoms generally do not respond to standard medical treatments, which can leave both doctors and patients confused and frustrated. 

How we can help

Many treatments for Somatic Symptom Disorders and Functional Neurological Disorders focus on tools and strategies for symptom management to help people cope with their struggles. 

At DPPC, we focus on the possible psychological and emotional causes of physical symptoms with the hope to reduce or resolve symptoms at their root. 

Somatic Symptom Disorders and Functional Neurological Disorders tend to either begin, worsen, or get diagnosed during or following times of high stress or difficult emotional struggles.

We can help people suffering from medically unexplained symptoms determine if there are emotional contributors to their symptoms, and if so, how they can work through these issues and find relief. 

Research has shown that psychodynamic therapies such as Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) can be effective in reducing or resolving somatic symptoms and symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder.