Somatic symptom disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterised by distressing physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical conditions or substances. Here are key features and types of somatic symptom disorders:

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD):
Persistent and distressing physical symptoms that cause significant impairment or distress.
Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviours related to the symptoms, such as excessive worry, preoccupation, or health-related behaviors (e.g., frequent doctor visits, medical tests, or checking for signs of illness).
Symptoms may vary in nature and severity but are not intentionally produced or feigned.

Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis):
Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, despite minimal or no physical symptoms.
Excessive health-related worries, such as persistent fears of having an undiagnosed medical condition or developing a serious illness in the future.
Regular medical reassurance-seeking behaviors, such as frequent doctor visits, medical tests, or online health research.

Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder):
Presence of neurological symptoms (e.g., weakness, paralysis, tremors, seizures, or sensory disturbances) that cannot be fully explained by medical or neurological conditions.
Symptoms may be inconsistent with known medical patterns, fluctuate over time, or lack evidence of physiological dysfunction.
Symptoms are often triggered or exacerbated by psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, or emotional distress.

Factitious Disorder:
Intentional fabrication or exaggeration of physical or psychological symptoms for the purpose of assuming the sick role and receiving medical attention.
Symptoms may be self-induced or falsely reported, and individuals may go to great lengths to simulate illness, such as tampering with medical tests or intentionally harming themselves.
Motivation for the behavior is not primarily for external rewards (e.g., financial gain) but rather to assume the role of a patient and receive attention or sympathy from healthcare providers.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy):
Similar to factitious disorder, but symptoms are fabricated or induced in another individual, typically a dependent (e.g., child, elderly parent) under the care of the perpetrator.
Perpetrator assumes the role of a caregiver and intentionally causes harm or illness in the victim to garner attention, sympathy, or validation from healthcare providers.
Motivation may include a desire for attention, validation of caregiving skills, or to assume a heroic role as the caretaker of a sick individual.