What is a Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) – formerly known as Somatoform Disorder – is a psychiatric diagnosis made where somebody has an extreme focus on physical symptoms resulting in often serious functional and emotional problems. This can occur even where there has never been an underlying physical problem or where the original physical injury or condition has resolved but symptoms persist, even becoming worse.

To be absolutely clear, the symptoms of a person suffering a Somatic Symptom Disorder are entirely genuine. Indeed, they can have a profoundly disabling effect on the sufferer who, understandably, will invariably struggle to accept that their severe limitations may be psychological in origin.

“Thank you Andrew. I was at my wits end with [previous solicitors] but it took me a long time to pluck up the courage to call you. All I can say is what a difference you’ve made. All the way along you’ve been so reassuring and confident and always made time to speak to me. I wish all solicitors could be like you. Thank you again.” ML (£315,000 received), August 2018

Somatic Symptom Disorder Compensation Claims

Claims involving a Somatic Symptom Disorder are highly complex in terms of the evidence required to prove the claim and a forensic approach is required in evidence gathering. It goes without saying that a claimant suffering a Somatic Symptom Disorder can expect to be treated by the defendant’s insurer and their lawyers with, at best, considerable scepticism.

They will the subject of the full gamut of personal intrusion. Covert surveillance and the monitoring of social media will be the absolute minimum the claimant should expect. Please follow the links to separate articles in this regard.

Somatic Symptom Disorder Solicitors

It is therefore fundamental that a claimant suffering a Somatic Symptom Disorder instructs solicitors with considerable experience in pursuing claims of this nature.

Over the years our team of Somatic Symptom Disorder Solictors we have successfully represented many people who have developed a Somatic Symptom Disorder following an accident. Most will have begun their claims with other law firms before becoming disillusioned at their lack of expertise and understanding.

In pretty much every case they will at best be frustrated, at worst extremely distressed. Comments such as “they must have missed something”, “nobody believes me” and “they think it’s all in my head” are common and this is of course entirely understandable.

Medical and other records will not have been obtained and/or reviewed, wholly unsatisfactory medical reports (often from the wrong type of medical experts) will have been obtained and those reports are commonly peppered with phrases such as “medically unexplained”, “psychological overlay”, “functional overlay” and “unreliable historian”.

Inevitably, therefore, there will be a lot to do to get the claim back on track. But that is where our extensive experience and expertise comes into play.

Please follow this link for more information on how the claimant’s solicitor should approach a claim that involves a possible Somatic Symptom Disorder.

“Richard’s understanding, professionalism and sheer tenacity was inspirational and his hard work turned the case around resulting in my receiving a settlement which included funds that allow me to receive treatment that help make my condition more bearable. My husband and I are extremely grateful to Richard, his secretary Amanda and BLB for all they have done for me.” PS (£410,000 received), September 2017

What will happen when you call us?

For a free, confidential discussion, contact us either using the form at the bottom of this page, or call us on 01225 462871.

One of our specialist Somatic Symptom Disorder solicitors will be waiting to speak with you. They will be able to talk through your situation and make a realistic assessment of how we can:

  • get your claim back on track;
  • maximise your compensation; and, crucially
  • help you to obtain the early, specialist treatment you need.

For information on Somatic Symptom Disorder and other chronic pain conditions, including the latest on research and treatment, please also keep an eye on our informative and regularly updated Blog.