What is typically a result of excessive thoughts related to symptoms in Somatic Symptom Disorder?

In Somatic Symptom Disorder, individuals experience significant focus on physical symptoms that results in profound distress and impairment. Excessive thoughts related to these symptoms often lead to significant disruption in daily life, as individuals may struggle to perform routine activities due to their preoccupation with their symptoms. This disorder is characterized by the persistence of physical symptoms, which are accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms, such as persistent anxiety about health or an excessive amount of time spent on related health concerns.

When a person becomes overly focused on their symptoms, they may avoid responsibilities, social interactions, or enjoyable activities, leading to a decline in their overall quality of life. This disruption can manifest in various ways, such as absenteeism at work, withdrawal from social engagements, or neglect of personal hygiene, ultimately resulting in a negative impact on their life and wellbeing.