Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
06:44
Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Published on: June 23, 2009
Somatic symptom disorder: an important change in DSM
Joel E Dimsdale1, Francis Creed, Javier Escobar
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA. jdimsdale@ucsd.edu
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|August 27, 2013
Summary
The new Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) diagnosis in DSM-5 consolidates previous diagnoses. It focuses on persistent somatic symptoms and related distress, rather than medically unexplained symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health
- Diagnostic Criteria
Background:
- The DSM-5 introduced Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) to refine diagnostic categories.
- Previous diagnostic systems had limitations in addressing somatic symptoms and related distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the rationale behind the new DSM-5 diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD).
- To outline the shift in diagnostic focus from medically unexplained symptoms to symptom-related distress and behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Review of the diagnostic rationale for Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD).
- Presentation of data on reliability, validity, and prevalence of SSD.
Main Results:
- Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) consolidates several previous diagnoses.
- The new criteria emphasize persistent somatic symptoms and disproportionate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The establishment of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) in DSM-5 offers a more cohesive diagnostic framework.
- Future research, education, and clinical practice should focus on the application and understanding of SSD criteria.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
01:30Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest with various positive symptoms, including thought, movement, and behavior disorders. These symptoms significantly disrupt cognitive and motor functions, leading to profound effects on an individual's ability to engage with the world.
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
01:30Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:12Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...