What is a key characteristic of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic Symptom Disorder is primarily characterized by the presence of multiple distressing somatic symptoms that cause significant disruption to daily life. Individuals with this disorder often experience a range of physical symptoms, such as pain and gastrointestinal issues, that are not fully explained by a medical condition. This excessive focus on physical symptoms and the related distress and impairment is central to the diagnosis.

While the presence of one or more symptoms of illness is relevant, it does not fully capture the breadth and impact of the symptoms as highlighted in the correct answer. Similarly, illness preoccupation lasting less than six months pertains more to a different diagnosis, specifically Illness Anxiety Disorder, where the focus is on fear of having a serious illness rather than the distress caused by physical symptoms. Lastly, focusing on external rewards for symptom exaggeration aligns more with Factitious Disorder or malingering, which do not reflect the experience of individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder who genuinely suffer from their symptoms without a primary intention of obtaining external benefits. Thus, the emphasis on multiple distressing somatic symptoms encapsulates the essence of Somatic Symptom Disorder effectively.