FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH SOMATIC SYMPTOMS DISORDER

Abstract

Somatic Symptoms Disorder (SSD) consists of physical symptoms which are not fully explained by a general medical condition, and must be associated with disproportionate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding those symptoms. Depression is a common comorbid condition in SSD patients, confusing clinically and diagnostically in addition to therapeutically. Subject: This study investigates the prevalence and acceptance of depression in SSD patients. The research study, which is being carried out in a large medical center, aims to determine the frequency with which depression occurs in association with SSD, how severe it is, and what factors may be responsible for the development of depression among these patients. The findings offer important implications for clinicians in the treatment of patients with SSD, emphasizing that holistic treatments targeting somatic symptoms and the concurrent depressive condition are essential. The clinical relevance of these findings with respect to treatment planning and patient care will also be investigated.

Keywords- Somatic Symptoms Disorder, depression, psychiatric comorbidity, severity, somatic symptoms, clinical diagnosis