Somatic symptom disorders are conditions in which a person experiences real physical symptoms without an organic cause. DocuMental Clinic offers diagnosis and treatment via video consultation across Estonia, particularly in Tallinn and Tartu — no waiting list. Consultations are conducted by our specialist psychiatrists.
What are Somatic Symptom Disorders
In somatic symptom disorders, patients experience physical symptoms — pain, weakness, dizziness — that have no medical explanation. It is important to understand: patients are not faking — the symptoms are real to them, but their cause is psychological rather than organic. This makes diagnosis and treatment particularly complex.
Somatic Symptom Disorder — Symptoms
Multiple physical complaints without an organic cause:
- pain in various parts of the body — headache, abdominal pain, back pain, limb pain
- gastrointestinal symptoms — nausea, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation
- cardiorespiratory symptoms — shortness of breath, chest pain
- neurological symptoms — dizziness, fainting, tingling in the limbs
Patients typically consult multiple doctors and undergo numerous investigations that reveal no pathology. Symptoms persist for a long time and cause significant emotional distress.
Health Anxiety (Hypochondria) — Symptoms
Health anxiety is characterised by an obsessive conviction of having a serious illness:
- constant worry about health, interpreting minor sensations as signs of a dangerous disease
- frequent visits to doctors and requests for repeated investigations
- distrust of test results — conviction that the illness has simply not been detected
- intense anxiety that interferes with daily life and work
Risk Factors
Psychological factors
- Anxious thinking: tendency towards catastrophic thinking and hyperfocus on physical symptoms
- Mental health conditions: anxiety and depressive disorders as co-occurring conditions
- Childhood trauma: traumatic events or emotional upheaval in childhood
Biological and social factors
- Neurotransmitters: imbalance of serotonin and dopamine affecting pain perception and mood
- Genetic predisposition: anxiety disorders in close relatives
- Life events: stressful life events — job loss, divorce, bereavement
Treatment Methods
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): gold standard treatment — helps understand the link between thoughts, emotions and physical symptoms, and change maladaptive beliefs
- Psychoeducation: educating patients about the nature of their disorder reduces anxiety and helps manage symptoms
- Body-oriented therapy: focuses on relaxation and reducing physical tension
- Group therapy: reduces feelings of isolation and provides a space to share experiences
Pharmacological treatment
- Antidepressants (SSRIs): sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram — reduce anxiety, depression and perception of physical symptoms
- Anxiolytics: short-term use for severe anxiety — used cautiously due to dependence risk
- Antipsychotics: risperidone, quetiapine in low doses — for obsessive states
Frequently Asked Questions
Is somatic symptom disorder ‘all in the mind’ or a real illness?
The symptoms are absolutely real — the patient genuinely experiences pain, weakness or dizziness. However, the cause is psychological rather than organic. This is not simulation or fabrication. Somatic symptom disorders are recognised mental health conditions that require and deserve professional treatment.
Can I get help for health anxiety online in Estonia?
Yes. Our psychiatrists carry out assessments and develop treatment plans via video call. This is particularly convenient for patients in Tallinn and Tartu. The online format also reduces anxiety for patients with health anxiety who are fearful of visiting medical facilities.
How long does treatment for somatic symptom disorders take?
Somatic symptom disorders are chronic, so treatment is typically long-term. Noticeable improvement with CBT usually occurs within 3–6 months. Medication helps reduce the severity of symptoms more quickly. Regular online consultations with a psychiatrist allow progress to be monitored and treatment adjusted.
Related articles
🔗 Anxiety disorders — symptoms and treatment
🔗 Depression — when to see a psychiatrist
🔗 OCD — obsessive-compulsive disorder
Book a Psychiatrist Appointment for Somatic Symptom Disorder in Estonia
If physical symptoms have no medical explanation and are significantly affecting your quality of life — consult a psychiatrist. The right diagnosis and treatment will help break the exhausting cycle of medical investigations.
DocuMental Clinic offers online appointments across Estonia, including Tallinn and Tartu. Video consultation with our specialist psychiatrists — no referral needed, no waiting list.
Current pricing is available on the booking page.
👉 Book an appointment: https://documental.clinic/en/
Author: Psychiatrist, Prof. Eduard Maron
