Connect
Somatic symptom disorder (SSD): How to address it?
My wife is suffering from chronic nausea for which, after numerous testing, there is no identifiable physical cause. She has reached the point where she meets the definition of SSD detailed on the Mayo Clinic website which states "Somatic symptom disorder involves having a significant focus on physical symptoms, even though there is no obvious physical or medical cause for the symptoms, to the point that it causes major emotional distress and problems functioning. Has anyone else been thought to have SSD, and what if anything was done to address the condition?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.
Connect
Hi, @jacque6977 - first, I wanted to apologize about the very delayed response - somehow this post escaped my notice.
You mentioned your wife's chronic nausea with no identifiable cause after numerous tests and that she'd met the definition of somatic symptom disorder (SSD). How are things going with her?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIt had been agreed by a number of doctors that she did have SSD. Symptoms surprisingly only occurred when she was at home. She has since moved into assisted living and her SSD nausea disappeared. It appears her symptoms were location related, a mystery solved by changing her location. The mystery as to why she only suffered when at home has not been solved.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks for the update on your wife and her somatic symptom disorder (SSD), @jacque6977.
I thought that @traveling would like to hear about this current news, and I also wanted you to meet @peabody88 and @legallyred, who have talked about psychosomatic illness. I'd also like you to meet @IndianaScott, who is the volunteer mentor for the Caregivers group on Mayo Clinic Connect, as well as @hopeful33250, who is also a volunteer mentor.
How are things going for your wife, now that she is in assisted living?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionShe has been there two months with no debilitation nausea. Her GI doctor presented her case at a symposium in Baltimore and they came up with a SSD diagnosis. The enviromental change cure is a mystery. By the way, the home enviroment had been checked for mold and every other possible cause with negative results.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI was hoping there might be an update on this.
@celia16 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Somatic Symptom Disorder is a tricky one. I am watching this discussion for updates too. If I may ask, do you have SSD and if so what are your questions and concerns?
I haven’t been diagnosed with it, but I have my concerns. My mother has SSD and has for many years. It has negatively impacted her life in many ways, as well as those around her. And, my father has been diagnosed with Conversion Disorder. They both suffer with anxiety and depression. I worry that I have inherited it.