Abstract: Objective: To explore family caregivers' perceptions and care experiences of children with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), and to provide references for developing family caregivers' support strategies. Methods: Using a phenomenological research approach, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 family caregivers of children with SSD from June 2024 to February 2025. Data were analyzed and themes were extracted using Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method. Results: A total of 5 themes and 11 subthemes were identified: insufficient disease knowledge and recognition barriers; "temporary relief" after multiple examinations and misattribution; heightened perception of disease threat and urgent "decoding" of symptom nature; post-diagnosis regret and coping difficulties; desire for more disease knowledge and supports. Conclusion: Family caregivers of children with SSD have insufficient knowledge of the disease and face numerous challenges in recognition and management. It is recommended that healthcare professionals strengthen related training and publicity to gradually reduce family caregivers' neglect and resistance toward children's mental health issues, thereby promoting timely attention and treatment for children with SSD.

Key words: Somatic Symptom Disorder; children; caregiver; qualitative research