Psychiatry and Psychology

Overview

Jeffrey P. Staab, M.D., Mayo Clinic psychiatrist, discusses core features and treatment strategies of somatic symptom disorders. Dr. Staab takes a closer look at somatic symptom disorders and the research that helped shape definitions, identify core features and develop treatment strategies. Though there are still many gaps in knowledge about how somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder relate and differ, doctors are working to identify core features that make distinguishing between the two easier. Additionally, evidence-based treatments for somatic symptom disorders are beginning to accumulate. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, other therapy interventions and selected medications. Communication among clinicians is necessary to continue identifying these features and treatments.