The Safety Net
Somatic Symptom Disorder Specialist in Singapore
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Tan Sheng Neng
MMED (Psych), MBBS, MCI, FAMSSomatic symptom disorder is a medical condition characterised by a severe focus on physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue or weakness, resulting in significant distress and severe impairment of daily functions.
What Is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Somatic symptom disorder is commonly associated with an abnormal obsession with physical symptoms, resulting in excessive thoughts and behaviour relating to the symptom. The physical symptoms may or may not be associated with an underlying diagnosed condition, but the person experiencing the symptoms believes that they are medically sick.
Are you constantly feeling worried about being sick, or repeatedly checking your body for abnormalities or physical symptoms? You may have Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Somatic Symptom Disorder is a serious mental health condition that can get worse without proper treatment.
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Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Tan Sheng Neng 
Dr Tan was the Director of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service (2017-2019) at Changi General Hospital (CGH), Singapore. He was also an Assistant Director (Psych) of the Integrated Sleep Service at CGH (SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre), where he helped develop into a department in 2018.
- Master of Medicine (Psychiatry)
- Master of Clinical Investigation (MCI)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS)
At present, besides the clinical work in his clinic and hospitals, Dr Tan also holds the following appointments:
- Clinical Advisor to Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- Lecturer to Executive Counselling and Training Academy (ECTA)
Dr Tan has a specialised interest in neuropsychiatry. He treats patients with Sleep Disorders, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Brain trauma or injury, particularly from strokes.
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Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder
Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of somatic symptom disorder include:
- Pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Constant feelings of worry
- Repeatedly checking your body for abnormalities
- Over exaggeration of physical symptoms
What Causes Somatic Symptom Disorder?
There are several possible causes of somatic symptom disorder, such as:
Genetics
Genetic and biological causes, such as increased sensitivity to pain
Certain Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions such as personality traits of negativity impact how you identify and perceive pain sensations
Negative Effects of Somatic Symptom Disorder
If somatic symptom disorder is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to further complications such as:
- Poor work or school performance
- Severe impediment to daily functions
- Mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
Are you constantly feeling worried about being sick, or repeatedly checking your body for abnormalities or physical symptoms? You may have Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Somatic Symptom Disorder is a serious mental health condition that can get worse without proper treatment.
Get Started
Somatic Symptom Disorder Treatment Options
Medication
Certain medications may help treat somatic symptom disorder complications such as anxiety and depression. These include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy (FBT) can help address causes such as emotional or psychological distress and guide patients to monitor and cope with their physical symptoms.
Diagnosis for Somatic Symptom Disorder
Your doctor may conduct a physical examination to inquire about your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask you to complete a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire to evaluate your symptoms.
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Your treatment Roadmap with Dr Tan
1
Registration
Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Book your appointment today.
2
Detailed Consultation
Dr Tan will speak to you, assess your condition, and develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include therapy and/ or medication.
3
Follow-up Visits
Dr Tan will schedule follow up visits to check in with you and make adjustments to your personalised treatment plan if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor?
You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms persist for an extended period of time and if they impede your daily functions to a great extent. Alternatively, if you have any queries or concerns related to somatic symptom disorder or are unsure if you have one, you should see our specialist as soon as possible, as early intervention and diagnosis can increase the treatment success rate.
Can somatic symptom disorder be cured?
The negative effects of somatic symptom disorder can be very disruptive and cause impairment of daily functions.
However, with early diagnosis and treatment, somatic symptom disorder can be managed with relevant and appropriate lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
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Feel free to drop by our our clinic and meet our specialist
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290 Orchard Road
#09-07 Paragon
Singapore 238859 -
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