What key symptom might indicate somatic symptom and related disorder in the 18-year-old client?

A key symptom that indicates somatic symptom and related disorders is the presence of a loss of sensation without any medical explanation. This aligns with the diagnostic criteria for somatic symptom disorders, where individuals exhibit physical symptoms that do not have a clear medical cause. It reflects a significant focus on body sensation and functioning, alongside psychological distress that can manifest physically. The absence of a medical basis for the symptoms further emphasizes the psychological components of the disorder and highlights the mind-body connection inherent in somatic symptom disorders.

In contrast, while non-physical pain related to anxiety may occur in various situations, it does not explicitly meet the criteria of a somatic symptom or related disorder on its own. Chronic fatigue syndrome comprises a recognized medical diagnosis, which would not fall under the category of related disorders as it has defined clinical features. Persistent coughing without illness, while perhaps indicative of stress or anxiety, requires a broader context to be classified distinctly within somatic symptom disorders, as not all unexplained symptoms clearly align with the diagnostic framework.