Psychosomatic

Question 1

Functional Neurological Disorder:

Answer 1

AKA Conversion Disorder

Experiences one sudden, physical symptom of a neurological nature, involuntarily, without evidence of an organic pathology.

Usually result of major stress or trauma, but not always.

Blindness
Dysphagia
Tremor
Ataxia
Weakness/ paralysis
Unresponsive episodes
Etc.

Question 2

Somatic Symptom Disorder

Answer 2

AKA somatisation

Marked preoccupation with multiple physical symptoms, without organic cause ilicited, in a way that impairs patient functionally and socially.

Often high anxiety about symptoms, and excessive time and energy spent on concerns.

Involuntary. Patient experiences the symptoms.

Question 3

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Answer 3

AKA hypochondria

Excessive fear and preoccupation with becoming ill. May check themselves constantly, go to lengths to prevent.

Doesn’t usually HAVE symptoms.

Question 4

Malingering

Answer 4

Deliberately feigning symptom or illness for clear external gain (eg. Time off work, insurance pay out)

Includes reporting symptoms in a dependent.

Question 5

Factitious Disorder

Answer 5

AKA Muchausens (incl by proxy)

Deliberately feigning illness or symptoms (in self or other), only for the gain of assuming the ‘sick’ role, sympathy.

Often have personality disorder.