Question

Somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder are concerned with medical illness, yet they are different. Explain using relevant example.

Hint:

To remember the difference: SSD = Symptoms are present + excessive worry. IAD = Symptoms are absent/mild + high health anxiety.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Both disorders fall under "Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders" in the DSM-5. They both involve excessive concern about health, but the focus of the distress differs.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD):
In SSD, the person actually experiences physical symptoms (like pain, fatigue, or breathlessness). These symptoms may or may not be medically explained, but the individual's reaction to them is excessive and disproportionate.
{Example:} A person has chronic back pain. They spend hours researching it, believe it is a sign of a spinal tumor, and constantly visit doctors, despite being told it is a simple muscular strain.
2. Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD):
In IAD, physical symptoms are minimal or non-existent. The core issue is the preoccupation or fear of having or acquiring a serious, undiagnosed medical condition. The person is "anxious about the idea of being sick."
{Example:} An individual notices a small, normal mole on their skin and immediately becomes convinced they have skin cancer. They repeatedly check their body and seek reassurance, even though there is no actual pain or physical illness.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The distinction lies in the presence of symptoms: SSD is characterized by distressing physical symptoms, whereas IAD is characterized by the anxiety of having a disease without significant physical symptoms.