Somatic symptom disorder (SSD which is formerly known as "somatization disorder" which is a form of mental illness which causes one or more bodily symptoms, including pain. The symptoms may or may not be able to trace to a physical cause which includes general medical conditions, other mental illnesses or substance abuse.

Regardless they can cause excessive and disproportionate levels of distress. The symptoms could involve one or more different organs and body systems such as:

• Pain

• Neurologic problems

• Gastrointestinal complaints

• Sexual symptoms

People who have somatic disorder will also have anxiety disorder. People who suffer from SD are not faking their symptoms. The distress that they are experiencing from the pain and other problems are real, regardless of whether or not a physical explanation is found. The distress from the symptoms significantly affects the daily functioning.

Doctors have to perform many tests in order to identify and diagnose SSD.

Diagnosis of SSD could be very stressful and frustrating process for the patients. They could feel unsatisfied if there no better physical explanation for their symptoms or if they are told their level of distress about a physical illness is excessive. Stress could lead the patient to be more worried about their health and this creates a vicious cycle which can persist for many years.

Sources: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/somatoform-disorders-symptoms-types-treatment