mental health disorders
Somatic Symptom Disorder
Treatment of Somatic Symptom Disorder
Cognitive-behavioral therapy Even when people have a good relationship with their primary care doctor, they are often referred to a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy , particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, is the most effective treatment. People with somatic symptom disorder benefit from having a supportive, trustful relationship with a doctor. The doctor can coordinate their health care, offer treatments to relieve symptoms, see them regularly, and protect them from unnecessary tests and treatments. However, the doctor must remain alert to the possibility that these people may develop a new, separate physical disorder that requires evaluation and treatment. New and different symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be caused by the person's somatic symptom disorder. Psychotherapy , if present, is treated. 