Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

Question 1

Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

Answer 1

Individuals with somatic symptom and related disorders are pathologically concerned with the appearance or functioning of their bodies and bring these concerns to the attention of health professionals, who usually find no identifiable medical basis for the physical complaints.

There are several types of somatic symptom disorders. Somatic symptom disorder is characterised by a focus on one or more physical symptoms accompanied by marked anxiety and distress focused on the symptom that is disproportionate to the nature or severity of the physical symptoms.

This condition may dominate the individuals’s life and interpersonal relationships. Illness anxiety disorder is a condition in which individuals believe they are seriously ill and become anxious over this possibility, even though they are not experienceing any notable physical symptoms at the time.

The causes of somatic symptom disorders are not well understood but seem closely related to anxiety disorders.

Management of somatic symptom disorders ranges from basic techniques of reassurance and social support to interventions meant to reduce stress and remove any secondary gain for the behaviour. Recetnly; specifically tailored cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has proved successful with these conditions.

Question 2

Conversion Disorder

Answer 2

In conversion disorder, there is physical malfucntioning, such as paralysis, without any apparent physical problems. Distinguishing among conversion reactions, real physical disorders and malingering, or faking, is sometimes difficult. Even more puzzling can be factitious disorder, in which the person’s symptoms are feigned and under voluntary control, as with malingering, but for no apparent reason.