Introducing a new specifier for functional somatic disorder: a psychodynamic approach to investigating emotional factors

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new psychological specifier for Functional Somatic Disorders that considers emotional factors like unresolved grief and trauma.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new psychological specifier for FSD that emphasizes emotional dynamics not fully addressed in current diagnostic frameworks.

Findings

Current diagnostic systems like DSM-5 and ICD-11 do not fully capture emotional influences on FSD.

Six signs of emotional influence on somatic symptoms are identified for diagnostic use.

Incorporating emotional factors could improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for FSD patients.

Abstract

Functional Somatic Disorders (FSD) present a significant challenge in the health-care system, characterized by persistent, distressing physical symptoms without sufficient medical or psychiatric explanations. This conceptual analysis explores the psychodynamic approach to understanding emotional factors influencing FSD, proposing a new psychological specifier. While current diagnostic frameworks, such as DSM-5’s Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) and ICD-11’s Bodily Distress Disorder (BDD), incorporate psychological components, they do not fully address emotional dynamics. This paper advocates for integrating emotional factors into diagnostic criteria. The proposed specifier focuses on emotional factors such as unresolved grief, trauma, and unmet needs, which can exacerbate or cause somatic symptoms. Six signs indicative of emotional influence on somatic symptoms are discussed, emphasizing a collaborative investigative approach. Incorporating this specifier could enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient outcomes by acknowledging the interplay between emotional and physical health.

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