somatic signs and symptoms
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Somatic symptom disorder involves having a significant focus on physical symptoms â such as pain or fatigue â to the point that it causes major emotional distress and problems functioning. You may or may not have another diagnosed medical condition associated with these symptoms. Excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors in response to physical symptoms may lead to frequent doctor visits. You often think the worst about your symptoms and continue to search for an explanation, even when other serious conditions have been excluded.