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When addressing Somatic Symptom disorder, it is necessary to understand how the client’s cognition may influence the development and progression of this particular disorder (Rief, 1998). Those who suffer from Somatic Symptom disorder often also suffer from hypochondriasis, which is indicative of the obsession with the idea they have an undiagnosed medical condition that is imperative to their health (Rief, 1998). According to authors Windfried Rief and Wolfgang Hiller from Roseneck Center for Behavioral Medicine and author Juergen Margraf from the University of Dresden, while both cognitive aspects of Somatic Symptom disorder and hypochondriasis were examined, the cognitive style of somatosensory amplification was discovered to be the core reasoning behind the cognitive-behavioral model of these disorders (Rief, 1998). Somatosensory amplification, also known as the tendency to perceive normal somatic sensations as being relatively intense, is addressed as the underlying reason behind these disorders being addressed. It is also implied through this research that patients who suffer from these conditions tend to believe that ideal health is portrayed through a lack of symptoms and that any sign of negative health automatically suggests sickness (Rief, 1998). The functioning of these individuals who suffer from Somatic Symptom disorder is suggestive that without the concept of adequate health, the patient may develop a cognitive style of somatosensory amplification, contributing to the hinderance this disorder may present (Rief, 1998).

Rief, W., Hiller, W., & Margraf, J. (1998). Cognitive Aspects of Hypochondriasis and the Somatization Syndrome. Journal of Abnormal Psychology,107(4), 587-595.