Somatic Symptoms And Related Disorders

Question 1

What is the somatic symptoms disorder description?

Answer 1

Physical symptoms cannot be fully explained by a general medical condition/ disorder

Could be result of a factitious or malingering disorder

May fixate on acquiring a serious illness or debilitating impairment

Question 2

What is the somatic symptoms disorder etiology?

Answer 2

Unknown origin

Untestable not physically or medically identifiable

Associated with diagnosis of depression and or anxiety is common

Question 3

What are some symptoms?

Answer 3

Pain

Key characteristics:

• excessive fixation
• concern about physical symptoms and health

Question 4

What is an illness anxiety disorder?

Answer 4

Hypochondriasis

Rare in children

Question 5

What is conversion disorder?

Answer 5

Motor/ sensory impairment symptoms; medical testing results normal

Symptoms:

• paralysis
• tremors
• dystonic movements
• gait abnormalities

Nonepileptic attacks in 30s, motor symptoms onset peaks in 40s

Question 6

What is factitious disorders?

Answer 6

Falsifications of an illness for oneself or others

Often seeking attention

May go to extremes to alter medical test results

Onset post hospitalization in early adulthood

Question 7

What are some somatic symptoms disorder medical/ surgical management?

Answer 7

Reducing health related anxieties/ preoccupations with health concerns

CBT, group individual

OT

Medications to address comorbidities