Somatic Symptom Disorder and Related Disorders (SSD-R)

What was the key shift in the DSM-5 classification of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)?

The shift was from emphasizing medically unexplained symptoms (DSM-IV) to emphasizing positive symptoms/signs(distressing somatic symptoms PLUS abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to them

What are the core features of Somatic Symptom Disorder?

≥1 distressing somatic symptoms PLUS excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms (e.g., disproportionate worry, high anxiety). The individual's suffering is authentic.

How is Illness Anxiety Disorder recognized?

Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness. Somatic symptoms are absent or mild. There is a high level of anxiety about health, and the individual is easily alarmed.

How is Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder) recognized?

≥1 symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function. Clinical findings show incompatibility between the symptom and recognized neurological/medical conditions.

How do you recognize Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions?

A medical condition is present , and psychological/behavioral factors adversely affect it by influencing the course, interfering with treatment (e.g., poor adherence), constituting health risks, or influencing pathophysiology.

What is the core definition of Factitious Disorder (Imposed on Self/Another)?

Falsification of physical/psychological signs/symptoms, or induction of injury/disease, associated with identified deception. The deceptive behavior is evident in the absence of obvious external rewards

Give a few examples of psychological factors affecting other medical conditions.

Anxiety exacerbating asthma; Denial of need for treatment for acute chest pain; Poor adherence to anti-hypertension treatment (mild severity); Manipulation of insulin to lose weight.