Chapter 21 Somatic Symptom Illness Flashcards
Psychosomatic
Term used to describe the connection between mind (psyche) and body (soma)
Hysteria
Refers to multiple physical complaints with no organic basis
- The complaints are usually described dramatically
Somatization
An unconscious conversion of emotional or mental states into physical, bodily symptoms (primary gain).
People internalize their distress (e.g., anxiety, stress, frustration) and instead of confronting this distress directly, they express it unconsciously through physical symptoms
By manifesting the psychological distress as physical symptoms, a primary gain (i.e., main goal) is obtained in that pressure is relieved, anxiety/stress is decreased, etc
What are the 3 central features of somatic symptom illnesses?
1) Physical complaints suggest major medical illness but have no demonstrable organic basis.
2) Psychological factors and conflicts seem important in initiating, exacerbating, and maintaining the symptoms
3) Symptoms or magnified health concerns are not under the client’s conscious control.
General Characteristics of Somatic Symptom Disorders
More common in women than men
Affects 5-7% of the population (thought to be grossly underreported)
More seen in the medical versus mental health field
Usually chronic or recurrent
Tend to go from one provider or clinic to another
- May be angry at medical community
Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities
Several possible etiologies and risk factors
- Psychosocial and biologic theories
Somatic Symptom Disorder
Characterized by one or more physical symptoms that have no organic basis
Onset: Often experience symptoms in adolescence, although these diagnoses may not be made until early adulthood (about 25 years of age)
Individuals spend a lot of time and energy focused on health concerns, often believe symptoms to be indicative of serious illness, and experience significant distress and anxiety about their health
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Formerly called, “Conversion Disorder”
Involves unexplained, usually sudden deficits in sensory or motor function (e.g., blindness, paralysis).
- These deficits suggest a neurologic disorder but are associated with psychological factors
Onset: Usually occurs between 10–35 years of age
There is usually significant functional impairment
May display an attitude of la belle indifference
La belle indifference
A seeming lack of concern or distress about the functional loss
Pain Disorder
As the primary physical symptom of pain, which is generally unrelieved by analgesics and greatly affected by psychological factors in terms of onset, severity, exacerbation, and maintenance
Illness Anxiety Disorder
Formerly called, “hypochondriasis”
Preoccupation with the fear that one has a serious disease or will get a serious disease
It is thought that clients with this disorder misinterpret bodily sensations or functions.
What is the typical symptom onset for pain disorder and illness anxiety disorder?
They both can occur at any age
Disease Conviction
The fear that one has a serious disease
Disease Phobia
Intense fear that one will get a serious disease
Cultural Considerations for Somatic Symptom Illnesses
Clients w/ somatic symptom illness and functional neurological symptom disorder most likely seek help from mental health professionals after they have exhausted efforts at finding a diagnosed medical condition
- Tend to go from one physician or clinic to another, or they may see multiple providers at once in an effort to obtain relief of symptoms
- They tend to be pessimistic about the medical establishment and often believe their disease could be diagnosed if providers were more competent.
Clients w/ illness anxiety, or pain disorder, are unlikely to receive treatment in mental health settings unless they have a comorbid condition.
Fabricated or Induced Illnesses
Factitious disorders characterized by physical symptoms that are feigned or inflicted on one’s self or another person for the sole purpose of gaining attention or other emotional benefits
AKA factitious disorder, imposed on self or others
