Medically Unexplained Symptoms

Question 1

What is somatoform/somatisation disorder?

Answer 1

Presence of physical sx that can’t be explained by a medical cdtn, drug or other disorder.

Question 2

What are the common presenting symptoms in somatoform disorder?

Answer 2

Muscular or joint pain (esp. back)
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
GI sx (pain, bloating, bowel change)

Question 3

What are the RF for medically unexplained sx?

Answer 3

Stress - MC
Past or recent abuse
Hx of mental health conditions (depression or anxiety)

Question 4

What is conversion disorder?

Answer 4

Psychiatric cdtn that results in presenting of neurological sx without underlying cause. Linked to emotional stress.

Neurological sx

Question 5

What is hypochondriasis?

Answer 5

Pts have excessive concern that they will develop a serious illness despite lack of evidence. Pts will deman unnecessary test and investigations as a result of constant worrying.

Concerns about specific illnesses rather than sx

Question 6

What is Manchausen’s syndrome?

Answer 6

Fictitious disorder where patients intentionally fake signs and symptoms (e.g. add blood to urine) in order to gain attention.

Question 7

Mx of medically unexplained symptoms?

Answer 7

• Patient education
• Encourage patients away from further investigation for their sx
• CBT, psychotherapy
• Physical exercise can be beneficial