Medically unexplained disorders etc.

Question 1

Briefly outline a dissociative disorder

Answer 1

Partial / complete loss of normal integration between past memories, awareness of identity, immediate sensations and control of movements

Tend to resolve within a few weeks or months, especially if associated with a traumatic event

Question 2

State the 3 types of dissociative disorder

Answer 2

1. De-personalisation / de-realisation - sense of detachment from the world (emotionally numb, watching life from outside)
2. Dissociative amnesia - blocks out personal information e.g. where they lived as a child
3. Dissociative personality (multiple personality disorder)

(increasing in severity from 1-3)

Question 3

State the 2 main types of somatoform disorder and explain the difference between them

Answer 3

1. Somatisation
   - Many physical symptoms from different parts of the body, although symptoms can vary
   - Present as find symptoms unbearable
2. Hypochondria (health anxiety)
   - Generally specific symptoms focused on one disease system
   - Present because they fear that minor symptoms may be due to a serious disease

Question 4

Outline a somatoform disorder

Answer 4

• Repeated presentation of physical symptoms
• With persistent requests for medical investigations
• In spite of repeated negative findings or reassurances by doctors that there is no physical basis to symptoms

Question 5

Outline the main differences between a pseudoseizure and an epileptic seizure

Answer 5

Pseudoseizures tend to:
- Last longer
- Have an emotional trigger to event
- Eyes shut closed, resistant to opening
- Incontinence or tongue biting is rare
- Protective behaviour against threat
- Generally able to recall event
- No post-ictal period