Somatic disorders (Somatic symptom disorder, Illness anxiety disorder, Conversion disorder, Factitious disorder [with Munchausen])

Question 1

Somatic symptom disorder

Answer 1

A. 1+ somatic symptoms that cause significant distress or functional impairment

B. Excessive thoughts, feelings, or bxs related to the somatic symptoms/health concerns associated with 1+ of the following:

 1. disproportionate thoughts about the seriousness of symptoms
 2. High anxiety about health or symptoms
 3. Excessive time and energy devoted to sxs or health concerns

C. Duration: typically more than 6 months

Question 2

Illness anxiety disorder

Answer 2

A. Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness.

B. Somatic symptoms are not present or are mild. If worries are regarding an illness the person is experiencing or is at high risk of contracting, worries are excessive.

C. High anxiety about health; easily alarmed about health status.

D. Performs excessive health-related bxs (repeatedly checking for signs of illness) or avoidance (avoidance of health appointments/check ups).

E. Duration: at least 6 months.

Question 3

Conversion disorder

Answer 3

A. 1+ symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function (psychological disturbance –> neurobiological disorder)

B. Not caused by a medical condition

Question 4

Factitious disorder (with Munchausen)

Answer 4

A. Falsification of physical or psychological symptoms, injury or disease.

B. Individuals presents as ill, impaired, or injured.

C. Deceptive bx persists even in the absence of external rewards.

With Munchausen: by proxy. Perpetrator receives the dx.