Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

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When the Body Carries DistressClinical name: Somatic Symptom DisorderReal, distressing physical symptoms, alongside thoughts and worries about them that take over daily life. The symptoms are genuine, not imagined, and the distress…11 min read Health AnxietyClinical name: Illness Anxiety DisorderA persistent, intense fear of having or developing a serious illness, even when there are few or no actual symptoms and medical checks are…10 min read Functional Neurological DisorderClinical name: Functional Neurological Symptom DisorderReal neurological symptoms such as weakness, seizures or tremor that arise from a problem in how the brain functions rather than from structural damage.…11 min read When Stress Worsens Physical IllnessClinical name: Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical ConditionsWhen stress, mood or behaviour measurably worsen a real, diagnosed physical illness such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease. Recognising this link can improve…7 min read Factitious DisorderClinical name: Factitious DisorderA condition in which a person fakes, exaggerates or induces illness in themselves, not for practical gain, but driven by a deep psychological need.…9 min read