Functional Disorders

Question 1

symptoms of functional disorders

Answer 1

pain
altered sensation
dizziness
movement disorders
weakness
seizures
cognitive symptoms

Question 2

define dissociation?

Answer 2

detachment from reality and yourself

Question 3

what to ask in a history of a patient with a suspected functional disorder?

Answer 3

get a clear timescale
ask about disability
ask about dissociaton eg dizzy/faint
ask about other medical experiences

Question 4

important past surgical history Qs to ask about?

Answer 4

hysterectomy
laparoscopy
appendicectomy

Question 5

PMH q’s for functional disorders?

Answer 5

previous functional symptoms
any past psychiatric problems?
mood symptoms presently?

Question 6

SHx q’s for functional disorders?

Answer 6

any problems when young eg child abuse

job

Question 7

inconsistent findings are common in functional disorders T or F

Answer 7

T

Question 8

describe charcot’s gait?

Answer 8

looks like you’re dragging a weak foot behind you but you’re using it to propel yourselfforward

Question 9

“walking on ice” gait is a sign of a functional disorder T or F

Answer 9

T

Question 10

pain exactly down the midline is a negative functional sign T or F

Answer 10

F, it is a positive functional sign

Question 11

how should you explain the diagnosis of a functional disorder in a way that a patient will appreciate?

Answer 11

this is common/we see this often,
symptoms are genuine,
many people make good progress,
its not your fault you have these,
you will need to put effort into it

Question 12

Tx of functional disorders

Answer 12

CBT
tricyclics esp if depression/anxiety/pain
breathing retraining if theyre hyperventilating

Question 13

what medication is best for functional disorders?

Answer 13

tricyclics