Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Teens & Treatment Options
September 21, 2025
Is your teen constantly complaining about pain, headaches, or stomach problems that don’t seem to go away, yet repeated medical tests come back normal? Symptoms like these can last for a short or long time, range from mild to severe, and may point toward somatic symptom disorder (SSD).
According to research, somatic symptoms affect approximately 25% of children and adolescents, and cause a significant impact in 10% of these youth.1 Therefore, recognizing teen psychosomatic symptoms early is vital. Disruptions in different areas of the child’s life can occur when symptoms are left unaddressed. These include missing school, sleeping more or less, slipping out of normal routines, and avoiding doing things they used to enjoy.
Because there’s often no medical cause for symptoms, parents may worry that their children are imagining things. However, the SSD symptoms teens experience are very real, even when a doctor cannot find the reason behind them.
A mental health professional can help families understand somatic symptom disorder in teens and the right treatment options based on a teen’s symptoms and circumstances. This page can also work as a useful guide, as it explores:
Somatic symptom disorder warning signs in adolescents- The school impact of somatic symptom disorder in teens
- When to seek help for SSD in teens
- The types of treatment for SSD in teens
- How Mission Prep can support families through SSD treatment
Somatic Symptom Disorder Warning Signs in Adolescents
Every affected teen presents somatic symptom disorder in different ways; therefore, symptoms can vary from one person to another. However, there are some common patterns that you can watch for.
The following sections cover some typical signs that may point toward SSD.
Chronic Pain and SSD Youth
One of the most common somatic symptom disorder warning signs adolescents experience is ongoing pain. Studies show that abdominal, lower back, limb pain, and headaches are some of the most common complaints. Together with stomach and joint pains, these symptoms account for as many as 50% of new medical outpatient appointments among children and adolescents.2
This pain can linger for weeks or months, and what makes it stand out is how strongly it interferes with life, even after doctors rule out injury or illness. It’s important to remember that the chronic pain and SSD youth live with are not a choice or exaggeration, and they’re not intentionally produced or simulated.
The pain is actually felt in the body, even if the cause is stress or emotional strain. For this reason, it’s good to validate a teen’s experience, as this helps build trust and may encourage them to seek treatment.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in SSD Teens
Stomachaches, nausea, and changes in digestion are also significant warning signs of SSD. For example, a teen can experience bloating, feeling “full” after only a few bites, frequent burping, a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, vomiting, or diarrhea. They might also complain of discomfort that leads to missed meals or skipped school days. These gastrointestinal symptoms that SSD teens often describe may especially flare up during stressful times, such as before exams or social events.
Findings show that gastrointestinal symptoms are one of the most prominent somatic symptoms found in patients with psychological issues like anxiety and depression. Therefore, they can further negatively affect teens on physical, mental, and social levels.3
However, because stomach pain can be linked to so many conditions, it is common for families to go through multiple tests before SSD is considered. Recognizing this as a potential psychosomatic symptom helps families avoid feeling stuck in endless medical appointments.
Headache Fatigue in SSD Adolescents
Persistent headaches and exhaustion are also often red flags for SSD. Headache fatigue in SSD adolescents can feel overwhelming, leaving them unable to focus in class or enjoy social time. Even after resting, tiredness often continues. In some instances, it’s easy to mistake these patterns for laziness or avoidance. If psychosocial explanations aren’t considered, research shows that providing care for teens with SSD can prove challenging.4
A teen is usually not faking these symptoms. So it’s important to rule out any potential underlying medical cause while also considering how stress or emotional strain may be taking a toll on the body.
Emotional Symptoms in SSD Teens
Physical pain is only part of the picture with SSD. Emotional symptoms that SSD teens experience include high levels of health anxiety, worry about illness, or fear that something serious is being missed. For example, they may frequently ask for reassurance, search for explanations online, or express hopelessness about ever feeling better.Further, researchers have found that somatic symptoms in children and adolescents are also associated with problematic social relationships and mental issues like depression. They might also be linked to other severe psychiatric problems like conduct disorder, suicidal behavior, and multiple experiences of conflicts.5
Excessive thoughts and feelings about these worries can add to a teen’s emotional distress and make symptoms feel even more intense. Therefore, recognizing the emotional side of SSD is just as important as tracking physical signs.
SSD Behavior Changes in Teenagers
Parents may also notice changes in behavior when SSD is present. For instance, SSD behavior changes in teenagers can include frequent visits to the nurse’s office, avoiding sports or social activities, or isolating themselves because of discomfort. They may also miss school often or spend a lot of time focusing on health worries.
For families, these behaviors can be confusing. It may even feel like the teen is giving up or purposely avoiding responsibilities.
Anxiety Linked to SSD Youth
While we’ve already mentioned how mental health conditions are highly linked to SSD, anxiety in particular often goes hand in hand with somatic symptoms. For example, anxiety linked to SSD youth may look like panic before school, restlessness, or a sense of dread about physical sensations. In fact, for some teens, the fear of symptoms becomes as disruptive as the symptoms themselves.
Studies back up the strong link between anxiety and SSD in teens, showing an SSD prevalence of up to 70% among those reporting anxiety compared to those who don’t.6 This may be because anxiety often results in a heightened focus on bodily sensations, further increasing somatic complaints.
This link between anxiety and physical pain is key to understanding SSD. The more anxious a teen feels, the more intense their symptoms may become, creating a problematic cycle that often requires professional help and a holistic approach to care.
School Impact on Somatic Symptom Disorder in Teens
School impact on somatic symptom disorder in teens can be significant. Children and adolescents spend most of their day with their schoolmates and teachers. Therefore, the quality of a school environment can impact the emotional, mental, and somatic well-being of adolescents.
For example, researchers emphasize that a bad or stressful environment can be reflected psychologically and on the level of somatic health, especially in children and adolescents.7
One potential reason behind these findings is that school provides an essential framework for self-esteem and social status. The classroom is an important social group that often determines roles and popularity, and school achievements may impact future plans and the satisfaction of parents. In this way, the school environment can present a lot of stress for a teen, becoming a potential source of somatic symptoms.
Unfortunately, the link between school environment and somatic symptoms can create a negative cycle. A stressful school setting can lead to anxiety and somatic symptoms. However, somatic symptoms can then further negatively impact achievement, attendance, and relationships, which can result in frequent absences, poor concentration, and missed assignments. As a result, anxiety and somatic symptoms may increase.
Additionally, teachers may not understand why a teen who looks physically healthy struggles to keep up. This can create tension between the teen and the school staff. Peer relationships may also be affected by somatic symptoms, as friends may pull away if the teen seems unreliable or constantly unwell. Finally, parents often struggle with not understanding symptoms, encouraging school attendance, and wanting to protect their child from additional stress.
Recognizing SSD in adolescents within a school context is important because support systems can make a huge difference. With understanding teachers, flexible schedules, and mental health resources, teens are more likely to manage symptoms and maintain progress in their education.
When to Seek Help for SSD in Teens
Parents often wonder how to know if their teen’s symptoms are more than just ordinary stress. The key is whether the symptoms are persistent, disruptive, and emotionally overwhelming.
Results from a 15-year follow-up study reveal a strong relationship between the presence of somatic symptoms in adolescence and adverse mental health outcomes in adulthood.8 These can include suicide attempts, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, and recurrent and chronic depression. Therefore, early intervention is key to long-term positive outcomes.
If your child has ongoing psychosomatic signs, such as unexplained pain or fatigue, combined with emotional distress about health, it may be time to reach out for professional care. A pediatrician may begin the process to rule out any potential underlying medical cause. However, mental health professionals are often needed for in-depth evaluation and treatment, which can include psychotherapy and potentially medication to address psychosocial factors and improve coping skills.
Noticing SSD in adolescents early allows for quicker intervention and better outcomes. The sooner help is sought, the more likely the teen will return to daily activities with less disruption.
Types of Treatment for SSD in Teenagers
Supporting a teen with SSD often requires a mix of approaches. The most effective plans address physical and emotional struggles while helping families feel less overwhelmed. Below are some evidence-based types of treatment for SSD in teenagers, each offering a different kind of support.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a common element of treatments for SSD. Research shows it’s a recommended intervention focusing on understanding how excessive thoughts, feelings, and actions influence symptoms and biological processes. Further, it can change these patterns, helping to regulate the nervous system, improve function, and reduce impairment.9
In other words, CBT can help teens see the link between their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. For example, a headache may worsen if a teen believes it means something serious is wrong. Yet, through CBT, they can learn to respond in calmer, more balanced ways. This shift can reduce the intensity of the SSD symptoms teens experience.
Family Therapy
SSD can affect the entire family, not just the teen. Family therapy gives parents tools to respond supportively without feeding into health anxiety. It also improves communication, which can make the home life feel steadier. When families learn together, it becomes easier to understand teen psychosomatic symptoms without blame or frustration.
Further, studies back up how a parent-based intervention can be beneficial to both children with somatic symptoms and their parents.10 It can improve outcomes, including the child’s level of impairment, the parent’s stress, and their accommodation of the child’s symptoms.
School Support
Because the school impact on somatic symptom disorder teens face can be significant, treatment often includes coordination with teachers and school counselors. Adjustments like flexible attendance, extra time on assignments, or access to a calm space during flare-ups can keep education on track. These supports may also reduce stress, which typically helps ease symptoms.
Medication Options
In some instances, medication may be considered for managing SSD. This is usually when anxiety linked to SSD youth or depression is adding to the burden of symptoms. Medication does not “fix” SSD directly, but it can reduce emotional distress and give therapy more room to work. A psychiatrist typically decides whether this is appropriate.
Residential Treatment Programs
For severe cases where daily life has been disrupted, residential treatment for SSD teenagers may be recommended. In these programs, teens receive round-the-clock support in a structured environment.
In these environments, therapy, schoolwork, and medical care are combined, giving the teen space to heal away from daily stressors. Residential programs are not always needed, but they can be very effective when symptoms have become overwhelming.
Reach Out to Mission Prep for Support with SSD in Teens
At Mission Prep, we understand how discouraging it can feel when a teen’s physical pain has no clear medical explanation. Our team is experienced in recognizing somatic symptom disorder warning signs that adolescents may show and offering treatment that fits both the teen and the family.
Whether your child is experiencing headache fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, or persistent health-related worry, we provide care that addresses the whole picture. This often means therapy for the teen, family guidance, and school support when needed.
For teens who require more intensive help, we also consider residential treatment for SSD teenagers, ensuring that even severe cases receive safe and structured care. No matter the level of support needed, our focus is on compassion, education, and restoring confidence.
If you’ve been wondering when to seek the help that SSD teens truly need, when symptoms are first noticed is usually the right time. Reach out to Mission Prep today, and we can help your family take the next steps toward healing and hope.
References
- Díez-Suárez, A., & Hernández-González, C. (2025). Somatization in childhood and adolescence: a guide to facilitate its understanding. Anales de Pediatría (English Edition), 102(2), 503711. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2341287925000237
- Rossi, M., Bruno, G., Chiusalupi, M., & Ciaramella, A. (2018). Relationship between pain, somatisation, and emotional awareness in primary school children. Pain Research and Treatment, 2018, 4316234. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2018/4316234
- Liu, T., Liu, J., Wang, C., Zou, D., Wang, C., Xu, T., Ci, Y., Guo, X., & Qi, X. (2023). Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and their association with psychological problems in youths. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 12(2), 311–323. https://apm.amegroups.org/article/view/110371/html
- Hinton, D., & Kirk, S. (2016). Families’ and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of healthcare services for children and young people with medically unexplained symptoms: a narrative review of the literature. Health & Social Care in the Community, 24(1), 12–26. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/hsc.12184
- Bohman, H., Låftman, S. B., Cleland, N., Lundberg, M., Päären, A., & Jonsson, U. (2018). Somatic symptoms in adolescence as a predictor of severe mental illness in adulthood: a long-term community-based follow-up study. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 12(1), 42. https://capmh.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13034-018-0245-0
- Mahirah, D., Lim, J. M., Chew, M. S.-L., Peddapalli, N., Ho, C. Z.-H., Marimuttu, V. J., Chen, H. Y., Sung, S. C., Ho, Y.-C. L., & Loh, C. B.-L. (2025). Prevalence and associated factors of somatic symptoms among adolescents in Singapore: a cross-sectional study. Annals of General Psychiatry, 24(1), 45. https://annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12991-025-00582-w#:~:text=Our%20findings%20revealed%20a%20strong,and%2018.8%25%2C%20respectively)
- Demuthova, S. (2019). The school environment as a source of somatic problems in adolescents. Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 11(2), 59. https://lumenpublishing.com/journals/index.php/rrem/article/view/1339/pdf
- Bohman, H., Jonsson, U., Päären, A., von Knorring, L., Olsson, G., & von Knorring, A.-L. (2012). Prognostic significance of functional somatic symptoms in adolescence: a 15-year community-based follow-up study of adolescents with depression compared with healthy peers. BMC Psychiatry, 12, 90. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3439696/
- Williams, S. E., Zahka, N. E., & Kullgren, K. A. (2020). Somatic symptom and related disorders. In Clinical Handbook of Psychological Consultation in Pediatric Medical Settings (pp. 169–181). Springer International Publishing. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-35598-2_14
- Etkin, R. G., Winograd, S. M., Calhoun, A. J., Silverman, W. K., Lebowitz, E. R., & Shapiro, E. D. (2024). Pilot study of a parent-based intervention for functional somatic symptoms in children. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 49(12), 900–910. https://academic.oup.com/jpepsy/article-abstract/49/12/900/7848527?redirectedFrom=fulltext
