Somatic Symptom Disorder vs. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Key Differences
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Fear of failure
Somatic Symptom Disorder:
Associated
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Core
Explanation: Fear of failing is more likely to be a central, ongoing driver in generalized anxiety, while in somatic symptom disorder it may be present but is usually less defining.
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People pleasing
Somatic Symptom Disorder:
Associated
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Core
Explanation: Generalized anxiety is more likely to involve repeatedly trying to keep others comfortable or avoid disapproval, whereas this is less central in somatic symptom disorder.
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Low energy or fatigue
Somatic Symptom Disorder:
Core
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Common
Explanation: Fatigue is more defining in somatic symptom disorder, where distressing body sensations and low energy may become a major focus, while in generalized anxiety it is common but less specific.
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Compulsive or repetitive behaviours
Somatic Symptom Disorder:
Common
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Associated
Explanation: Repetitive checking or reassurance-related behaviours may be more noticeable in somatic symptom disorder, especially when focused on bodily concerns, while they are less central in generalized anxiety.
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Struggling to Keep Up with Basic Self-Care
Somatic Symptom Disorder:
Common
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Associated
Explanation: Somatic symptom disorder is more likely to interfere with basic self-care through persistent physical distress, while generalized anxiety may affect self-care but less consistently.
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Key Similarities
| Symptom | How it is similar |
|---|---|
| Excessive worry | Both can involve persistent worry that feels hard to quiet and takes up significant mental space. |
| Feeling constantly anxious or on edge | Both may involve a steady sense of tension, unease, or being unable to fully relax. |
| Difficulty coping with uncertainty | Both can make uncertain situations feel especially stressful and difficult to tolerate. |
| Seeking constant reassurance | Both may lead someone to repeatedly seek confirmation that things are okay or that feared outcomes are unlikely. |
| Muscle tension | Both can show up physically as ongoing body tension, tightness, or stress-related discomfort. |
Most often taken Self-Assessments
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Self-Assessment: Anxiety
Take the TestTake this quick self-assessment based on the GAD-7 to understand your current anxiety levels and how they may be impacting your life.
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Self-Assessment: Porn Addiction
Take the TestReflect on your relationship with porn and whether it's affecting your mental, emotional, or relational well-being.
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Self-Assessment: Overthinking
Take the TestReflect on persistent patterns of overanalyzing, second-guessing, or mental looping that may be affecting your clarity and peace of mind.
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Self-Assessment: Depression
Take the TestThe clinically proven PHQ-7 self-assessment to help you gauge if you might be experiencing signs of depression.
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Self-Assessment: Narcissistic Abuse
Take the TestCheck if you might be experiencing or recovering from narcissistic abuse in a relationship.
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Self-Assessment: Impact of ADHD
Take the TestThis self-assessment helps identify how adult ADHD may be affecting your daily life and functioning.
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Self-Assessment: Emotional Regulation
Take the TestDiscover how well you manage your emotions and cope with challenging situations.
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Self-Assessment: Couple Relationships
Take the TestA quick check-in to see how healthy and connected your romantic relationship feels right now.
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Self-Assessment: PTSD
Take the TestUse the PCL-5 scale to identify signs of lingering emotional and physiological distress from traumatic experiences.
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Self-Assessment - Borderline Personality Disorder
Take the TestUnderstand if you might be showing signs of Borderline Personality Disorder using the Mclean Screening Instrument.
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Self-Assessment: Sleep
Take the TestAssess if your sleep issues stem from deeper emotional patterns, rather than just irregular habits or lifestyle factors. Based on the Insomnia Severity Index.
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Self-Assessment: Dating Fatigue
Take the TestExplore whether the emotional exhaustion, frustration, or numbness you're feeling around dating is a sign of burnout.
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Self-Assessment: Social Anxiety
Take the TestTake this test based on the LSAS scale to find out if social situations are triggering anxiety or holding you back.
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Self-Assessment: Retroactive Jealousy
Take the TestExplore if thoughts about your partner’s past are affecting your current relationship.