Why is a collaborative approach with primary care important in SSD and related disorders?

• A. It increases fragmentation of care
• B. It encourages unnecessary specialist referrals
• C. It reduces fragmentation, aligns messaging, reduces repeated testing, and supports functional recovery
• D. It delays treatment

Answer: (C)

Collaborating with primary care brings together the different parts of a patient’s care, which is essential in somatic symptom disorder. These patients often have persistent symptoms and may see multiple specialists, so messages and plans can become inconsistent if care isn’t coordinated. When care is well coordinated, psychoeducation is clear, testing is used appropriately, and referrals to evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy and functional rehabilitation happen in a timely, integrated way. This reduces fragmentation, aligns messaging, minimizes unnecessary repeated testing, and supports functional recovery. Conversely, uncoordinated care can increase fragmentation, lead to unnecessary referrals or delays, and hinder recovery.