Somatic Symptom And Related Disorders

Question 1

What is malingering?

Answer 1

The intensional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms motivated by secondary gain/external reward

Question 2

What is factitious disorder?

Answer 2

The intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms NOT motivated by secondary gain, but rather to seek empathy, nurture and attention.

Question 3

DSM criteria for Somatic Symptom disorder

Answer 3

Criteria A: distressing or disruptive somatic symptoms (core)
Criteria B: excessive thoughts, feelings or behaviour about the symptoms or related health worries as per (at least 1)
1) persistent excessive thoughts about symptoms seriousness
2) persistent anxiety about symptoms or health
3) excessive time and energy spent on these symptoms or health concerns
Criteria C: more than 6 months being symptomatic
Criteria D: symptoms not explained by MC but exists
Criteria E: not illness anxiety disorder (no symptoms)

Question 4

Specifiers of somatic symptom disorder

Answer 4

Persistent
Predominant pain
Severity

Question 5

DSM criteria for illness anxiety disorder

Answer 5

A: preoccupation with having or getting seriously I’ll
B: causes great anxiety about health, easily alarmed about health
C: excessive health related behaviours or maladaptive avoidance
D: No somatic symptoms or only mild ones
E: if there is a MC, the preoccupation is clearly excessive
F: duration of 6 months

Question 6

Specifiers for illness anxiety disorder

Answer 6

Care-seeking type
Care avoidant type

Question 7

DSM conversion disorder

Answer 7

A: symptoms are about changes in voluntary motor and sensory function that are incompatible with a recognised neurological or medical condition
B: not better explained by another mental disorder or medical disorder
C: significant distress or impairment of functioning