What is the primary symptom of Somatic Symptom Disorder with Predominant Pain?

The primary symptom of Somatic Symptom Disorder with Predominant Pain is indeed characterized by pain or ache in the body that is distressing or disrupts daily life. This condition emphasizes the experience of bodily symptoms, particularly pain, which are not fully explained by a medical condition. Individuals with this disorder often have an intense focus on this pain, which can exacerbate emotional distress and psychological suffering.

While intense psychological distress, persistent sadness, and severe anxiety about health can be associated symptoms and may coexist with this disorder, they are not the defining features. The focus remains firmly on the physical sensation of pain that dominates the clinical picture and leads individuals to seek medical attention repeatedly, reflect their distress about the implications of this pain on their lives. Thus, the prominence of bodily pain distinguishes this disorder from others like anxiety disorders or mood disorders, ensuring that it primarily recognizes the somatic experience.