Somatic symptom disorder (psychosomatic)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Somatic symptom disorder means having physical symptoms, such as pain, tiredness or stomach problems, together with thoughts, feelings and behaviours about them that are out of proportion and take over life. The symptoms are real, not imagined. Therapy, alongside your doctor, can help.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Persistent physical symptoms without adequate medical explanation
- Excessive worry about symptoms
- Disproportionate response to symptoms
- High healthcare utilisation
How it is usually treated
- CBT for somatic symptoms
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Pain management therapy
- Antidepressants
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I have pain and symptoms but my tests are normal”
- “I keep worrying about my body even after doctors say I am fine”
- “My symptoms get worse when I am stressed”
- “I have seen many doctors without relief”
People who live with somatic symptom disorder may also notice depression, generalised anxiety or health anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get a medical check for any new or worsening symptom. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital for chest pain, breathlessness or other emergency signs. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
How it is diagnosed
First a doctor checks for physical causes. A psychiatrist then looks at how thoughts, emotions and stress interact with the symptoms, and checks for depression and anxiety.
Treatment and support
- CBT to manage worry and the focus on symptoms
- Mindfulness and stress reduction
- Pain-coping and activity pacing
- One main doctor to coordinate care and reduce repeated tests
- Treating related depression or anxiety
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists work with the physical symptoms seriously and add therapy. Your clinician will say if further medical checks are needed. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist takes your physical symptoms seriously, asks what tests you have had, and explores how stress and worry interact with them.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist works alongside your own doctors, and a clinical psychologist can help with coping skills.
Between sessions
Reviews follow how symptoms affect daily life, not only whether they disappear.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Does 'psychosomatic' mean the symptoms are imaginary?
No. The symptoms are real. Stress and emotions can affect the body and the way it feels and reacts.
Do I still need medical tests?
A doctor decides, and sensible checks are done first. Repeated unnecessary tests can increase worry.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Many people feel better with therapy and a steady medical plan.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.