Which statement describes Somatic Symptom Disorder?

• A. Excessive response to distressing physical symptoms lasting at least 6 months.
• B. Severe anxiety about a single acute illness with no chronic symptoms.
• C. Intentional production of symptoms for external gain.
• D. Preoccupation with having a serious illness despite minimal symptoms.

Answer: (A)

Somatic Symptom Disorder involves one or more physical symptoms that are distressing or lead to significant disruption, combined with excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors about those symptoms. The key is not how severe the symptom is by itself, but how disproportionately a person responds—excessive worry, time, and energy devoted to the symptom or its health impact—and that this pattern lasts for an extended period, typically many months.

The statement captures this pattern: an excessive response to distressing physical symptoms that persists for at least 6 months. That combination of persistent, disproportionate reaction and the duration hallmark fits Somatic Symptom Disorder.

Other options describe different conditions. For example, fear or preoccupation about having a serious illness with little or no somatic symptoms points to illness anxiety disorder, not Somatic Symptom Disorder. Intentional production of symptoms for external gain describes malingering or factitious disorder, which involve intentional deception rather than distress about real symptoms. Preoccupation with having a serious illness despite minimal symptoms likewise aligns with illness anxiety disorder rather than Somatic Symptom Disorder.