Somatic symptom disorder, a new DSM-5 diagnosis of an old clinical challenge

Somatic symptoms associated with mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this article was to systematically review the prevalence of somatic symptoms in patients, healthcare workers and general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objectives were to record the association between somatic symptoms and indices of mental distress and to record the qualitative characteristics of such somatic complaints.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA methodology we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar for primary research reporting on somatic symptoms in association with mental distress. We specifically sought papers reporting on bodily distress disorder, somatic symptoms disorder or medically unexplained symptoms.

RESULTS

1569 papers were retrieved, which yielded 36 relevant studies after screening. 15 studies referred to healthcare workers, 13 to general population, 5 to COVID-19 patients, 2 compared medical with non-medical professionals and 1 was studying COVID-19 patients some of which were also healthcare workers. The reported prevalence of somatic symptoms ranged from 7.4% to 67.8%. Commonly seen symptoms were shortness of breath, dyspnea, palpitations and pain in arms, legs and joints.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review suggests that somatic symptoms are very frequent during the pandemic and are often linked to mental distress. All three population groups are affected.

Significant Improvement of Somatic Symptom Disorder With Brief Psychoeducational Intervention by PMHNP in Primary Care

OBJECTIVE

Patients with somatic symptom disorders (SSD) are prevalent in primary care, urgent care, and emergency rooms and present with reduced quality of life, increased disability, and suicidality . Criteria for SSD include (1) somatic symptoms that cause distress and disrupt life; (2) concurrent physical illness with thoughts and feelings that are disproportionate to the seriousness of the illness; and (3) distress which is persistent and causes suffering. The frequency of SSD in the general population is 5% to 7%; however, in primary care, it is 5% to 35% . Because patients present with anxiety, depression, and/or pain, providers are flummoxed when diagnostic findings do not match symptom intensity. The purpose of this project was to provide an intervention for patients with SSD and measure its effectiveness on their somatic symptoms.

METHOD

This study provided a single-session, 30-minute psychoeducational intervention for patients to explain brain pathways for pain and the body's response to stress, including scientific benefits of exercise and healthy diet. Patients were asked questions using the motivational interviewing technique OARS (open-ended question, affirmation, reflection, summary) and were encouraged to talk about their concerns. The study used a pre- and post-intervention visual analogue scale and a self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-15 both before and 3 weeks post-intervention.

RESULTS

Measurements showed significant symptom improvement immediately after the intervention with sustained improvement 3 weeks post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This intervention demonstrates an effective treatment for this insidious illness, which plagues up to 35% of patients in primary care.

The clinical effect of psychosomatic interventions on empty nose syndrome secondary to turbinate-sparing techniques: a prospective self-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Individuals affected by empty nose syndrome secondary to turbinate-sparing techniques (ENS-type) experience decreased productivity and lifestyle disruption owing to considerable nasal-associated discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of psychosomatic intervention on ENS-type.

METHODS

A prospective self-controlled study was conducted, and 28 patients suffering from ENS-type who met the diagnostic criteria for somatic symptom disorder (SSD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) received cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) plus antidepressants. Nasal symptom burden was evaluated using the 25-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-25). Somatic symptom burden, anxiety severity, and depression severity were assessed by the 25-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15), the 9-item PHQ (PHQ-9), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, respectively. Patient assessments were completed prior to treatment and 3 and 12 months after the intervention.

RESULTS

The total scores of the SNOT-25 declined posttreatment, showing a significant difference at the 3-month and 12-month follow-ups compared with the baseline scores (p < 0.001). The severity of the 5 most common subjective symptoms, including "nose is too open," "waking up at night," "lack of a good night's sleep," "difficulty falling asleep," and "reduced concentration," declined significantly at 3 and 12 months posttreatment compared to baseline levels. Statistically significant changes in the PHQ-15, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores were observed at 3 and 12 months posttreatment compared to baseline scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that some patients with ENS-type meeting the diagnostic criteria for SSD might benefit from psychiatric treatment.

Medically unexplained symptoms in the times of COVID-19 pandemic: A case-report

In early 2020, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) leading to a potentially fatal condition was discovered. Since then, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread worldwide becoming a pandemic. Beyond the risks strictly related to the infection, concerns have been expressed for the psychological impact that COVID-19 may have, especially on vulnerable individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is characterized by a dysfunctional preoccupation with physical symptoms leading to excessive and unnecessary healthcare utilization. Despite being quite common, such condition remains underrecognized. We report a detailed clinical case of a 16 years old adolescent, who presented with a history suggestive of COVID-19 infection and associated psychological distress. Despite testing negative for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, his extreme and persisting health preoccupations required an inpatient admission to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit. He responded rapidly to a low dose of antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Based on his medical history and current presentation, he received a diagnosis of SSD. When COVID-19-like symptoms occur, we highlight the importance of differentially diagnosing a possible exacerbation of a pre-existing SSD, triggered by fear of being infected. This may help preventing further burden to the healthcare system.