Somatic Symtom and Related Disorders

Somatic symptom disorder - A

One or more somatic symptoms that are distressing or result in significant disruption of daily life

Somatic symptom disorder - B (3 total)

Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the somatic symptoms or associated health concerns as manifested by at least one of the following

Disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of one’s symptoms

Persistently high level of anxiety about health or symptoms

Excessive time and energy devoted to these symptoms or health concerns.

Somatic symptom disorder - C (minimum duration)

Although any one somatic symptom may not be continuously present, the state of being symptomatic is persistent (typically more than 6 months)

Illness anxiety disorder - A

Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness

Illness anxiety disorder - B

Somatic symptoms are not present or, if present, are only mild in intensity.

If another medical condition is present or there is a high risk for developing a medical condition (e.g., strong family history is present), the preoccupation is clearly excessive or disproportionate

Illness anxiety disorder - C

There is a high level of anxiety about health, and the individual is easily alarmed about personal health status

Illness anxiety disorder - D

The individual performs excessive health-related behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checks his or her body for signs of illness) or exhibits maladaptive avoidance (e.g., avoids doctor appointments and hospitals)

Illness anxiety disorder - minimum duration

Illness preoccupation has been present for at least 6 months, but the specific illness that is feared may change over that period of time

Illness anxiety disorder - subtypes

Care-seeking type: Medical care, including physician visits or undergoing tests and procedures, is frequently used.

Care-avoidant type: Medical care is rarely used

Other disorders found in the chapter

Functional neurological symptom disorder

One or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function

Clinical findings provide evidence of incompatibility between the symptom and recognized neurological or medical conditions

Factitious disorder

Falsification of physical or psychological signs or symptoms, or induction of injury or disease, associated with identified deception

The individual presents himself or herself to others as ill, impaired, or injured

The deceptive behavior is evident even in the absence of obvious external rewards.