Which two DSM-5-TR specifiers are often used with Somatic Symptom Disorder?

• A. With persistent symptoms; With predominant anxiety
• B. With persistent symptoms; With predominant pain.
• C. With predominant pain; With persistent symptoms.
• D. With dissociative symptoms; With persistent symptoms.

Answer: (C)

Somatic Symptom Disorder uses specifiers to describe the course and the most prominent symptom. The two most common specifiers are “with persistent symptoms” and “with predominant pain.”

“With persistent symptoms” indicates the somatic symptoms have been present for an extended period (usually more than 6 months), highlighting a chronic course that guides expectations for treatment and prognosis. “With predominant pain” signals that pain is the primary somatic symptom, which helps clinicians tailor approaches to a pain-focused presentation, often aligning with chronic pain management strategies and CBT-informed care.

Other potential descriptors aren’t established specifiers for SSD in the DSM-5-TR, so they don’t convey the same diagnostic and management significance.