Aging Parents and Somatic Symptom Disorder

Is your elderly relative constantly complaining about their health? While a little bit of grumbling is expected from just about everyone. If their worries about health are starting to interfere with everyday thoughts and behaviors, it could be more serious. Somatic symptom disorder is a mental condition that involves an overdeveloped focus on one’s physical symptoms. Family caregivers who are responsible for elderly homecare and notice their aging relatives have an unhealthy obsession with health should pay close attention.

Homecare Lexington NC – Aging Parents and Somatic Symptom Disorder

What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

When someone is so focused on their physical symptoms that it causes them distress, it could be somatic symptom disorder (SSD). The emotional suffering can be acute, much worse than any physical pain or fatigue they are feeling. Seniors with SSD will think the worst about their symptoms and believe they have a life-threatening illness or deadly disease when there is little evidence for it. Without treatment, seniors with SSD will have a poor quality of life and may even cause themselves some stress-related health issues.

What Family Caregivers Should Watch For

Seniors with SSD will often obsess over the fact that they have certain physical symptoms and constantly check and re-check themselves. They may make many doctor visits, but there is no medical reason for their symptoms. Often, they are convinced they have a serious disease and cannot cope with the idea mentally. Even with a clean bill of health, they are somehow convinced there is an error or the doctor was wrong. The high level of worry about their health is the key indicator.

In extreme cases, seniors insist on going from doctor to doctor because they are worried that something has been missed. They may repeat medical tests over and over again, hoping that the next one will finally uncover what they fear. Family caregivers that have spoken with their elderly relative’s doctor can help their elderly loved one get the real help they need to start coping with their mental health issues.

Treating Somatic System Disorder

In order for an elderly person to be diagnosed with somatic system disorder, they need to be thoroughly checked out by a doctor. They will determine whether there are any true concerns for health or wellness. They can also evaluate the elderly relative for somatic system disorder and refer them to a therapist as needed. Because SSD is as much a mental condition as a physical one, a therapist can provide some insight into coping skills and lifestyle approaches to handling the anxiety associated with health.

Family caregivers that want to provide the best elderly homecare for their aging relatives should not ignore it when they express lots of worry about their health. While most of the time it will be common complaining, it is possible for them to slide into a somatic symptom disorder.

Source: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000955.htm

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.