Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders

Question 1

somatic symptom disorder

Answer 1

1+ sx that is functionally impairing, excessive reaction (disproportionate), >6m

Question 2

epidemiology of somatic symptom disorder

Answer 2

5-7%, F>M

Question 3

contributing factors

Answer 3

focusing attention, distorted cognition and attribution, learned behavior patterns, somatic amplification, depression and anxiety

Question 4

conversion disorder

Answer 4

motor/sensory symptom/deficit suggesting neurologic problem associated with significant distress

acute symptoms of short duration, dramatic presentation, dissociative symptoms (depersonalization, derealization, amnesia)

motor- impaired coordination, balance, paralysis, weakness, tremors, seizures, convulsions

sensory- loss of touch/pain sensation, double-vision, blindness, deafness, hallucinations

Question 5

diagnostic clues for conversion disorder

Answer 5

paralysis- inadvertent movt when dressing, intact reflexes
trouble swallowing- equal difficult with liquids and solids
seizure- no associated incontinence, tongue-biting

Question 6

epidemiology of conversion disorder

Answer 6

onset age 10-35, 5% of neurology referrals

Question 7

illness anxiety disorder

Answer 7

preoccupation with acquiring/having a serious illness, >6m

Question 8

treatment for illness anxiety disorder

Answer 8

CBT, SSRIs

Question 9

factitious disorder

Answer 9

deceptive falsification of symptoms/signs of injury/disease to seem ill/impaired/injured in the absence of external rewards