Somatic Symptom Disorder in Shift / night workers

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among shift / night workers? Sleep/circadian disruption generates real somatic symptoms that may complicate recognition
Are shift / night workers at higher risk? No SSD-specific elevation
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among shift / night workers? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Fatigue, headaches, GI disturbance, palpitations and sleep symptoms may originate from circadian disruption; these must not automatically be psychologized
What commonly occurs alongside it? Sleep disorders; anxiety; depression
What can it be confused with? Shift-work sleep disorder; medical illness; anxiety
Common screening tool SSD-12 — Somatic Symptom Disorder–B Criteria Scale
Separate screening tool for shift / night workers None
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