Functional Disorders Flashcards
What are functional disorders
Medically unexplained symptoms
Present to all specialties esp. neurology
Risk factors for functional disorders
Psychological symptoms – mental health problems
Adverse child experiences/trauma
Presentation of mental health disorders
Often significant disability
Types of functional disorders
Dissociative disorders – separation of consciousness from body
Somatoform disorders – emotional symptoms converted into physical symptoms
- Unconsciously done, unconscious reasons
Differentials for functional disorders
Factitious disorders e.g. Munchausen’s – consciously faking symptoms for personal gain e.g. sympathy (may or may not be aware)
- Consciously done for unconscious reasons
Malingering – faking illness purely for personal gain e.g. time off work, benefits (aware they are doing it)
Management of functional disorders
Explanation
Medication for co-morbid mental health problems
Psychological therapies – CBT, IPT
Complications of functional disorders
Risk of iatrogenic injury – due to multiple, inappropriate investigations/treatments