Anxiety Dissociative and Somatoform Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Anxiety Dissociative and Somatoform Disorders?
A primary care doctor is often the first person people see. A psychiatrist specializes in mental health and treats severe cases. Psychologists and therapists give talk therapy but cannot prescribe medicine. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are anxiety, dissociative, and somatoform disorders?
Anxiety disorders are conditions that cause fear, worry, and physical signs like a racing heart. These reactions are stronger than the situation calls for. Dissociative disorders cause a person to feel cut off from their own thoughts, memories, or sense of who they are. Somatoform disorders are now often called somatic symptom disorders. They cause real physical complaints that are driven mostly by the mind rather than by a body disease.
What it is
These conditions all involve the link between mind and body. Anxiety is the most common. Dissociative symptoms often follow stressful events, while somatic symptom disorder involves real distress about body symptoms.
Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can cause a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and dread. Some people have panic attacks with strong body symptoms.
Dissociative symptoms include feeling like you are watching yourself from outside your body or having memory gaps. Somatic symptom disorder involves complaints such as pain, with worry that disrupts daily life.
Causes and who gets it
Anxiety disorders tend to run in families; brain chemistry, life stress, and learned habits all play a part. Dissociative disorders are strongly linked to trauma. Somatic symptom disorder is linked to stress and heightened focus on body sensations.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no blood test or scan for these conditions. A doctor starts with a careful conversation about symptoms and health history and may order tests to rule out physical illness.
Treatment
Treatment usually combines talk therapy and medicine. Cognitive behavioral therapy works well for anxiety and somatic symptom disorders. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants. Many people improve with steady care and stress management.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if worry, memory gaps, or body symptoms keep getting in the way of daily life. Seek help right away for chest pain or severe symptoms. If you feel like harming yourself, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
Direct primary care doctors charge a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while concierge doctors usually charge more and often use insurance. Either can offer longer visits, which help with anxiety and mild somatic symptoms, and will refer severe cases onward.
Common questions
Are the physical symptoms real if tests show nothing wrong?
Yes, the symptoms are real. The mind and body are connected, and stress can produce genuine pain, tiredness, and stomach trouble. A diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder does not mean a person is making symptoms up.
Can these conditions go away on their own?
Mild anxiety sometimes fades when a stressful period ends. Dissociative and somatic symptoms usually need treatment to improve. Results differ from person to person, so a professional evaluation is the best next step.
Will I need medicine forever?
Not always. Some people take medicine for a limited time, while others benefit from longer use. This decision is made together with a doctor based on how symptoms change over time.
Can a child or teen have these disorders?
Yes. Anxiety disorders often begin in childhood or the teen years. Children can also develop dissociative or somatic symptoms, usually after stressful events, and early care helps.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
