Somatic symptom disorder manifested as acute abdominal pain during pregnancy preceding perinatal depression: a case report

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) occurring as abdominal pain during pregnancy can be very difficult to distinguish from physical diseases; prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are required. SSD can develop into perinatal depression, which may need intensive psychiatric intervention. Here, we present the first case report of SSD preceding perinatal depression. This case shows the clinical importance of SSD in obstetrics both as a cause of abdominal pain and as a precursor of depression.