Somatic Symptom #1

Somatic symptom disorders

Involve one or more physical symptoms that are distressing or disruptive to daily life, often without a fully explained medical cause.

Prevalence of somatic symptom disorders

Relatively common, more often seen in women than men, and often begin in adolescence or early adulthood.

Duration of SSD symptoms

Symptoms persist for more than 6 months (the specific symptoms may change over time).

Example of SSD

A person experiences chronic pain and becomes convinced it is due to a serious illness despite negative medical tests.

Key Points of SSD

The focus is on the emotional and behavioral reaction to symptoms, not the symptom itself.

Treatment for SSD

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective; medications may be used for co-occurring anxiety or depression.

Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)

Preoccupation with having or developing a serious illness, even when physical symptoms are minimal or absent.

Example of IAD

A person fears cancer after seeing a small rash and repeatedly requests full-body scans, despite negative results.

Key Points of IAD

Unlike SSD, physical symptoms are not prominent and it often co-occurs with anxiety disorders.

Treatment for IAD

CBT focusing on reducing health anxiety, exposure therapy to medical triggers, and SSRIs if anxiety is severe.

Conversion Disorder

Neurological symptoms (e.g., movement or sensory deficits) inconsistent with medical findings, often triggered by stress.

Former name of Conversion Disorder

Formerly called 'hysteria' in older texts.

DSM-5 Criteria for Conversion Disorder

One or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function.

Factitious Disorder

Intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms without obvious external rewards.

Malingering

Motivation is for financial gain, distinct from factitious disorder.

Biopsychosocial model

Interaction of biological vulnerability, psychological factors, and social influences.

Psychological factors

Heightened attention to bodily sensations, learned illness behaviors.

Stressful life events

Often precede symptom onset.

Family modeling

Childhood exposure to illness behavior can increase risk.

Treatment Approaches

Includes psychotherapy, medications, and medical management.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Used to reduce excessive health concerns and maladaptive behaviors.

SSRIs

Medications for co-occurring anxiety or depression.

Regular, scheduled visits

Medical management to reduce doctor shopping.

Stress management & relaxation techniques

Used to reduce symptom exacerbation.

Examples of Somatic Symptom Disorder

Chronic pain, GI issues.

Examples of Illness Anxiety Disorder

Fear of cancer despite clear tests.

Examples of Conversion Disorder

Sudden paralysis of a limb with no neurological cause.

Examples of Factitious Disorder

A parent fabricates symptoms in their child to gain attention from medical staff.