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Somatic symptoms

Somatic symptom disorder

Physical symptoms that cause excessive worry, too much time spent on them, and great discomfort. The symptoms are real; it's about how you live them.

Common signs

Constant worry about symptomsRepeated medical visitsA lot of time spent focused on the body

Tips

For you

  1. Agree on regular medical check-ups, not on demand
  2. Cut down on searching for information online
  3. Return to activities even if there are symptoms

For family and friends

  1. Don't play down the symptoms: they are real
  2. Encourage them to return to activities even if there is discomfort

When to ask for help

  1. If new symptoms appear, see the doctor
  2. If the worry stops you living normally

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I have physical symptoms that worry me a lot
2. I often think about how serious it could be
3. I spend a lot of time focused on my body
4. I go to the doctor more than recommended
5. Normal test results don't reassure me for long
6. I have given up activities because of the symptoms
7. I look up medical information online
8. This worry takes up much of my day
Also take the full health anxiety test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Somatic symptomsFree resource from Clínica VivaldiAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Anxiety disorder caused by illness (hypochondria)Somatic symptomsDisorder of functional neurological symptoms (conversion)Somatic symptomsPsychological factors that influence other medical conditionsSomatic symptomsFactitious disorderSomatic symptoms

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.