Screening instruments for somatic symptom disorder: a scoping review of development, validation, and cross-cultural adaptation

Abstract

Assessment of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) relies on instruments that vary substantially in their target constructs and coverage of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. This review mapped the DSM-5 content coverage of available instruments and summarized evidence on their psychometric properties, diagnostic accuracy, and cross-cultural validation. Eight English- and Chinese-language databases were searched from inception to October 2025. Studies of instrument development, evaluation, or cross-cultural validation for SSD and related constructs were included. Instrument content was independently mapped to Criterion A and the three components of Criterion B using a prespecified framework. Measurement properties, diagnostic validity, and cross-cultural adaptation were summarized. Of the 10,818 records identified, 34 studies were included, involving the development and validation of 19 instruments. Three instruments were specifically developed for SSD, whereas 16 were designed to assess adjacent constructs. Ten instruments covered Criterion A only, four covered Criterion B only, and five covered both Criteria A and B. Eight instruments had evidence of criterion or diagnostic validity. Six instruments underwent cross-cultural validation, with the evidence concentrated primarily on the Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale (SSD-12). Criterion A-oriented instruments assess somatic symptom burden, whereas Criterion B-oriented instruments assess symptom-related psychological and behavioral responses. Strategies covering both A and B are more closely aligned with SSD screening, whereas Criterion C and diagnostic confirmation require clinical assessment. Further DSM-5-based diagnostic-accuracy and cross-cultural validation studies are needed in intended populations and settings.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Psychology, 2026 · DOI ↗