Somatic symptom disorder (SSD), as a new disease diagnosis in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), has a high detection rate in general hospital outpatient clinics, which significantly impairs the daily functions of patients and wastes social medical resources. The Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders Group of Psychosomatic Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association convened experts from all over the country and various clinical disciplines. Through systematic literature retrieval, literature analysis and conference discussion, combined with evidence-based data and expert experience, this consensus is proposed: SSD compensates for the overemphasis on the dualism of mind and body in previous diagnoses to some extent. Clinical doctors should pay attention to the psychological and behavioral characteristics of patients, comprehensively evaluate the bio-psycho-social factors, be alert to comorbidities of other mental disorders and physical diseases, practice the psychosomatic medical attitude in the whole process of reception and treatment, and attach great importance to the establishment of doctor-patient treatment alliance, and follow the principle of multi-disciplinary collaborative hierarchical diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, it is highly recommended to select appropriate psychotherapy techniques based on factors of personality characteristics and cultural background. Somatic symptoms as well as comorbidities should also be considered in order to select appropriate drugs.

Diagnosis; Treatment; Somatic symptom disorder; Multi-disciplinary; Expert consensus