Somatic Symptom Disorder Test


Somatic symptom disorder test

Written by Niels Barends, MSc, psychologist with more than 14 years of clinical experience treating anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and somatic symptom disorder. Updated May 2026.

This somatic symptom disorder test is designed to help you understand whether your physical symptoms may be connected to patterns commonly seen in somatic symptom disorder (SSD), such as persistent health-related worry, body monitoring, reassurance seeking, avoidance, or distress around bodily sensations.

People take this test for different reasons. You may be experiencing pain, dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, chest tightness, numbness, tingling, or other physical sensations that feel difficult to understand. You may also notice that you spend a lot of time worrying about your health, checking your body, searching symptoms online, or seeking reassurance from doctors, family members, or partners.

This test provides a first indication only. It is not a diagnosis and cannot determine whether your symptoms are caused by a medical condition. If your symptoms are new, severe, changing, or medically unexplained, it is important to consult a general practitioner or qualified medical professional first.

After completing the questionnaire, you will receive immediate results with a brief explanation of what your score may suggest and whether professional support may be useful. The test is anonymous and takes approximately three minutes.

Scroll down to take the somatic symptom disorder test.

Important note about this SSD screening test

  • This test is not a diagnosis. It is a screening tool to help you decide whether professional evaluation may be helpful.
  • Medical causes should be considered first, especially when symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or unexplained.
  • A licensed clinician can help determine whether symptoms fit SSD, health anxiety, anxiety disorders, trauma-related symptoms, depression, or another condition.
  • If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services or a local crisis line.

What does the somatic symptom disorder test measure?

The test focuses on patterns often associated with somatic symptom disorder, including:

  • persistent worry about physical symptoms
  • frequent body checking or symptom monitoring
  • difficulty trusting medical reassurance
  • avoidance of activities because of fear about symptoms
  • reassurance seeking from doctors, partners, family, or online sources
  • distress, fear, or disruption in daily life caused by physical symptoms

What is somatic symptom disorder?

Somatic symptom disorder is a mental health condition in which physical symptoms become strongly connected to distress, fear, health-related worry, or excessive focus on bodily sensations. The symptoms themselves are real and can be very disruptive, even when medical tests do not fully explain them.

SSD does not mean someone is “making up” symptoms. Instead, the diagnosis focuses on how physical symptoms, fear, attention, reassurance seeking, avoidance, and emotional distress begin to reinforce each other over time.

You can read more on our main page about somatic symptom disorder, or explore related pages about SSD symptoms, causes of somatic symptom disorder, and somatic symptom disorder treatment.

“In somatic symptom disorder, the physical symptoms are real. The clinical issue is that symptoms become connected to fear, checking, avoidance, and a loss of trust in the body. Screening can be a useful first step, but proper assessment should always consider both medical and psychological factors.”

— Niels Barends, MSc, psychologist at Barends Psychology Practice

Need help with somatic symptoms or health anxiety?

If physical symptoms, health-related worry, or body monitoring are disrupting your daily life, professional support can help you understand the pattern and reduce distress.

The somatic symptom disorder test

Welcome to the Somatic symptom disorder questionnaire

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by stomach pain

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by back pain

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by pain in your arms, legs, or joints (knees, hips, etc.)

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by headaches

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by chest pain

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by dizziness

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by fainting spells

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by feeling your heart pound or race

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by shortness of breath

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by pain or problems during sexual intercourse

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by constipation, loose bowels, or diarrhea

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by nausea, gas, or indigestion

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by feeling tired or having low energy

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by trouble sleeping

During the past 7 days, how much have you been bothered by mentrual cramps or other problems with your periods (WOMEN ONLY)

Do you have troubling thoughts about the seriousness of one's symptoms?

Are you experiencing anxiety about your health or these symptoms on a daily basis?

How much time and energy do you devote to these symptoms or health concerns (taking care of/thinking/talking/reading up on it)?

At least one of these symptoms is present for 6 months (perhaps not continuously, but recurring frequently):

Frequently asked questions about the somatic symptom disorder test

Can this test diagnose somatic symptom disorder?

No. This test is a screening tool only. A formal diagnosis requires a careful assessment by a qualified clinician and, when needed, medical evaluation to rule out relevant physical causes.

When should I take the SSD test?

You may find the test useful if physical symptoms are causing persistent worry, body monitoring, reassurance seeking, avoidance, or disruption in work, relationships, sleep, or daily functioning.

Are somatic symptoms real?

Yes. Somatic symptoms are real and can be very distressing. Somatic symptom disorder does not mean someone is pretending. The focus is on how symptoms, fear, attention, and behavior interact over time.

Should I see a doctor before taking the test?

If your symptoms are new, severe, changing, unexplained, or medically concerning, you should consult a general practitioner or medical professional. The test can be useful, but it does not replace medical care.

Can trauma or anxiety cause somatic symptoms?

Stress, anxiety, and trauma can increase nervous system activation and make bodily sensations feel stronger or more threatening. Some people with SSD also experience symptoms related to anxiety disorders, PTSD, complex PTSD, or depression.

Niels Barends psychologist

Author:
Niels Barends, MSc — Psychologist and founder of Barends Psychology Practice

Clinical experience:
14+ years treating anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and somatic symptom patterns

Approach:
Evidence-based therapies including CBT, EMDR, schema therapy, and trauma-focused interventions

Last updated:
May 2026