Causes and Risk Factors of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Teens
This experience can be stressful and disheartening for teens and families. Plus, research shows that people may suffer more when symptoms go unrecognized and undiagnosed for long periods.1 However, shedding light on the causes of SSD can help families recognize the warning signs early and take steps towards supportive treatment plans.
Early detection facilitates treatment planning, informed decisions regarding care, and financial arrangements. It’s also essential for the prevention, management, and promotion of healthy coping skills for SSD.
To put it simply, considering the potential causes of SSD teens face and the risk factors somatic symptom disorder adolescents may be more vulnerable to could improve outcomes. A mental health professional can help teens and their families understand their specific risk factors in detail, but this article also works as a useful guide, exploring:
The causes of SSD in teens- Risk factors of somatic symptom disorder in adolescents
- Tips to help prevent SSD in teenagers
- Types of treatment for teen SSD
- Where to find professional support
What Are the Causes of SSD in Teens?
There’s no single cause of somatic symptom disorder in teens. Instead, SSD symptoms often develop through various influences that affect how the body and mind respond to stress.
By looking at potential contributing factors, parents can better understand why the causes of SSD in teens often feel so complex. The following sections cover the psychological, biological, emotional, and environmental risk factors for SSD.
Psychological Causes of SSD
Psychological causes are often at the center of what causes SSD in teens. Teens who struggle to express emotions may unconsciously turn stress into physical pain. This may be because children and adolescents might find it difficult to express their feelings and emotions through language, as their cognitive abilities are still in the process of development.
As a result of feeling unable to express emotions, psychological distress could manifest as physical somatic symptoms. For example, a teen who feels pressure at school might experience stomach pain rather than talk about feeling overwhelmed.
Other psychological issues, such as anxiety and difficulty coping with conflict, could also increase the risk of somatic symptoms. Further, as perfectionism typically involves a consistent self-demand for high performance, it can lead to self-criticism and a wide range of problems in adolescence, including unexplained physical pains.2
Biological Factors Contributing to SSD
Biological factors SSD youth experience might also play a role in SSD. For instance, research shows that the brain areas responsible for processing pain and emotion are closely linked.3 Long-term stress exposure could cause key neurotransmitters in the stress response pathways to become more sensitive. As a result of this increased sensitivity, the body may register pain more easily or for more extended periods of time.
Other biological mechanisms include over-sensitization in the limbic system and decreases in hippocampal volume, which can also result in increased sensitization and the development of emotional disorders.4 Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine may also make certain teens more vulnerable to somatic symptoms.
The Role of Stress and Emotional Strain in SSD
Another common influence in the development of physical symptoms is stress-related somatic symptom disorder. Stress such as academic pressure, peer challenges, or constant worry can overload the nervous system. Therefore, instead of expressing stress through words, a teen’s body may react with headaches, fatigue, or other physical complaints.
Further, studies show that older adolescents aged between 17 and 19 years present a greater prevalence of somatic symptoms.5 This may be because older teens often face unique stressors like exam pressure, hormonal changes, relationship or sexuality issues, and future uncertainties.
Additionally, female teens tend to report higher rates of somatic symptoms than males due to a greater sensitivity to stress. This stress may be associated with the specific hormonal challenges girls often face, as well as female patterns of socializing that encourage emotional expression.
Environmental Triggers
Environmental triggers SSD adolescents encounter could also contribute to its development. For example, unstable home environments, exposure to conflict, or frequent changes in routine can increase the likelihood of SSD.
Parents’ behaviors and their own mental health might also play a crucial role in the development of a child’s SSD. For example, higher parental stress is linked to increased rates of behavioral and emotional problems like SSD in children.6 Parents could also share their child’s increased susceptibility to physical symptoms, so they might have a similar tendency to experience physical pain in response to stress.
Studies also show that the quality of a school environment can determine the emotional, mental, and somatic health of adolescents.7 A bad or stressful environment might be reflected psychologically, becoming a potential source of somatic symptoms.
Together, each of these potential causes of SSD highlights how it could result from a mix of factors. However, recognizing these influences can help families respond with greater understanding and compassion.
What Are the Associated Risk Factors of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Adolescents
The potential psychological, biological, emotional, and environmental risk factors for SSD can give an overall picture of why the condition develops. However, there are also some specific contributory influences that may shed light on why some teens develop psychosomatic disorders and symptoms while others don’t. These include:
Childhood Trauma SSD Youth
Experiences such as neglect, abuse, or early loss can overwhelm a child’s ability to cope. Later in adolescence, these unprocessed emotions can appear as physical pain or health complaints. This is because trauma can alter how the nervous system handles stress, making the body more sensitive to discomfort.
For instance, childhood trauma has been associated with reports of specific somatic symptoms such as chronic pain and headache. Further, findings back up this link between higher rates of somatic symptoms in young adults and the experience of childhood trauma. In other words, these teens are more likely to experience somatic symptoms and physical discomfort than the general population.8
Family History
The risk of somatic symptom disorder in teens can be higher if a parent or close relative has struggled with SSD, health anxiety, or similar conditions. This may come down to how family patterns in how health is discussed and handled could shape a teen’s response to stress. For example, if illness is often a topic of conversation at home, a teen may become more attuned to physical sensations.
Further, researchers suggest that children may learn to display and manage somatic symptoms through a family member’s modeling of their own symptoms.9 Family members might also inadvertently reinforce somatic symptoms displayed by children. For instance, they may give them positive attention or allow them to miss an undesirable activity like school when they experience physical issues.
Anxiety and Depression
Mental health struggles are closely tied to SSD, as anxiety and depression risk in SSD adolescents is well-documented. Simply put, while a teen may struggle with the emotional weight of ongoing worry or persistent sadness, physical symptoms might pop up alongside this burden. For instance, anxiety can tighten muscles, cause stomach pain, or lead to headaches. Similarly, depression can slow the body down, resulting in fatigue or a sense of heaviness.10
Additionally, the heightened focus on bodily sensations often associated with health anxiety can also lead to interpreting normal physical experiences as “threatening,” perpetuating somatic complaints.
Tips for the Prevention of SSD in Teenagers
If you’re noticing potential signs of SSD in your teen, there are steps you can take to prevent symptoms from worsening. Prevention might not mean that all symptoms will stop, but it might help reduce vulnerability and strengthen SSD coping skills. It’s also important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any potential underlying medical issues.
The following tips may help prevent worsening SSD symptoms:
- Building strong coping skills: Teaching effective ways to handle stress could reduce teen vulnerability to psychosomatic disorders. For example, relaxation techniques, journaling, or regular exercise can give teens healthier outlets for emotions.
- Supporting emotional expression: Teens need safe spaces to talk about feelings. Therefore, encouraging open conversations may prevent bottled-up emotions from turning into physical pain.
- Promoting balanced routines: Consistent sleep, nutrition, and downtime can protect against stress overload.
- Early intervention: Addressing early life experiences that SSD youth may have gone through can help prevent symptoms from intensifying later. For instance, counseling after loss or trauma can buffer the risk of somatic symptoms.
- Reducing stigma: Teens should know that psychosomatic conditions are real and treatable. This helps them feel less shame when seeking help. Therefore, normalize their experiences and validate their concerns.
Types of Treatment for Teen SSD
Treatment for somatic symptom disorder is most effective when it addresses both the physical and emotional struggles a teen is facing. Treatment for teen SSD typically includes therapy, family support, school adjustments, and sometimes higher levels of care. The following information details some of these evidence-based approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is often the first treatment choice when it comes to SSD. It works by focusing on understanding how excessive thoughts, feelings, and actions influence symptoms and biological processes. It also focuses on changing how these patterns regulate the nervous system, improving function and reducing impairment as a result.
For example, a therapist might help a teen notice how their thoughts affect the way they feel pain or discomfort. By learning healthier ways to think about their symptoms, discomfort often lessens. CBT also gives teens practical tools to manage daily stress.
Family Therapy
SSD often affects the entire household. Family therapy helps parents and siblings understand what teen psychosomatic symptoms mean and how to respond in supportive ways. It can improve the child’s level of impairment, the parent’s stress, and their accommodation of the child’s symptoms.
Instead of frustration or dismissal, families learn strategies that create a calmer environment. This can make recovery smoother and help the teen feel more understood.
School Adjustments
A school’s influence on somatic symptom disorder in teens can be intense. Absences, missed work, and falling grades often add to a teen’s stress. Therefore, treatment may involve coordination with teachers and school counselors to provide flexible schedules, extra time for assignments, breaks during the day, or access to calm spaces during flare-ups.
These adjustments can help reduce stress and ease symptoms, allowing education to continue without overwhelming the teen.
Medical and Psychiatric Support
Sometimes, medication is recommended when severe anxiety or depression adds to the weight of symptoms. For instance, antidepressants may reduce symptoms enough to allow a teen to benefit from therapy. However, the decision to prescribe medications is never taken lightly, and teens will be regularly physically and emotionally assessed throughout the duration of treatment.
Regular medical check-ins can also ensure genuine health issues are not overlooked. This balance often reassures both teens and parents that all aspects of care are being considered.
Residential Treatment Programs
In severe cases, residential treatment for SSD teenagers provides structured, around-the-clock care. These programs combine therapy, school support, and medical oversight, creating stability when outpatient care isn’t enough. For families, this level of care can be a turning point toward healing.
Reach Out to Mission Prep for Help with Teen SSD
Supporting a teen with SSD can feel overwhelming. At Mission Prep, we understand the unique challenges families face when symptoms disrupt school, friendships, and everyday routines. We specialize in recognizing the causes of SSD teens may be experiencing, from environmental to psychological and biological factors in SSD youth.
Our team offers tailored care, from individual therapy to residential treatment for SSD teenagers when needed. By addressing adolescent mental health risk factors for SSD, we can help teens rebuild confidence and learn healthier coping skills.
If you are unsure about when and how to seek help, Mission Prep can provide guidance every step of the way. Early intervention often makes successful recovery more likely, and compassionate support may give both teens and parents hope for the future. Reach out today to learn how we can help your family take the next step toward healing.
References
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- Gershfeld-Litvin, A., Hertz-Palmor, N., Shtilerman, A., Rapaport, S., Gothelf, D., & Weisman, H. (2022). The development of somatic symptom disorder in children: Psychological characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity. Journal of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, 63(4), 324–333. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2667296021001877?via%3Dihub
- Çetin, Ş., & Varma, S. (2021). Somatic Symptom Disorder: Historical Process and Biopsychosocial Approach. Current Approaches in Psychiatry. December 13, 790–804. https://doaj.org/article/70a0d0ef1da643ada5716e08ebcfef52
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- 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=60%2C%2061%5D.-,Life%20stressors,a%20median%20of%207%20stressors.
- Ribas, L. H., Montezano, B. B., Nieves, M., Kampmann, L. B., & Jansen, K. (2024). The role of parental stress on emotional and behavioral problems in offspring: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Jornal de Pediatria, 100(6), 565–585. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11662746/
- 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
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