Somatic Symptom Disorder in Parents

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among parents? Parents may become highly focused on their own or child's health, but no prevalence elevation established
Are parents at higher risk? NE
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? High
Does it show up differently among parents? Yes / Somewhat
How might it look different? Repeated monitoring/reassurance may extend to family health concerns; individual's own SSD still requires personal symptom distress
What commonly occurs alongside it? Anxiety; depression
What can it be confused with? Health anxiety; medical illness
Common screening tool SSD-12 — Somatic Symptom Disorder–B Criteria Scale
Separate screening tool for parents None
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