Document Type
Article
Original Publication Date
2017
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Clinics in Dermatology
Volume
35
Issue
3
DOI of Original Publication
10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.01.010
Date of Submission
July 2017
Abstract
Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is defined by the prominence of somatic symptoms associated with abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms, resulting in significant distress and impairment. Individuals with these disorders are more commonly encountered in primary care and other medical settings, including dermatology practice, than in psychiatric and other mental health settings. What defines the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as abnormal is that they are excessive, that is, out of proportion to other patients with similar somatic symptoms, and that they result in significant distress and impairment. SSD may occur with or without the presence of a diagnosable dermatologic disorder. When a dermatologic disorder is present, SSD should be considered when the patient is worrying too much about his or her skin, spending too much time and energy on it, and especially if the patient complains of many nondermatologic symptoms in addition. The differential diagnosis includes other psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, delusions of parasitosis, and body dysmorphic disorder.
Rights
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Is Part Of
VCU Psychiatry Publications
Comments
Originally published at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.01.010