Diagnosis

To determine a diagnosis, you'll likely have a physical exam and any tests your doctor recommends. Your doctor or other health care provider can help determine if you have any health conditions that need treatment.

Your medical care provider may also refer you to a mental health professional, who may:

• Conduct a psychological evaluation to talk about your symptoms, fears or concerns, stressful situations, relationship problems, situations you may be avoiding, and family history
• Have you fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire
• Ask you about alcohol, drug or other substance use

Criteria for diagnosis

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, emphasizes these points in the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder:

• You have one or more somatic symptoms — for example, pain or fatigue — that are distressing or cause problems in your daily life
• You have excessive and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of your symptoms, you have a persistently high level of anxiety about your health or symptoms, or you devote too much time and energy to your symptoms or health concerns
• You continue to have symptoms that concern you, typically for more than six months, even though the symptoms may vary