Week 7 Lecture 11- laulima

Somatic Disorders Overview

• Definition: Somatic disorders manifest as physical symptoms that lack a clear medical explanation.

• Key Quote: "You should not treat body without soul" - Socrates.

• Context: Patients often exhibit physical symptoms without a discernible cause, which can cause significant distress and lead to various interventions.

Types of Specific Somatic Disorders

Involuntary Preoccupation with Symptoms

• Illness Anxiety Disorder: Significant anxiety about developing a serious illness despite minimal symptoms.

• Somatic Symptom Disorder: Distress regarding physical symptoms that may have little to no biological basis. Symptoms persist for over six months.

• Conversion Disorder: Characterized by neurological symptoms that are inconsistent with medical conditions; symptoms arise following stress but are not intentional.

Voluntary Aspects

• Factitious Disorder: Intentionally feigning or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role; can be directed at oneself (Munchausen’s) or others (Munchausen’s by Proxy).

• Malingering: Deliberately misleading to gain external benefits from symptoms, such as financial gain.

Mechanisms and Motivations

• Primary Gain: Internal motivations such as attention or care derived from symptoms.

• Secondary Gain: External benefits such as financial compensation or avoidance of responsibilities.

• Psychological Underpinnings: Symptoms can serve as communication methods for distress or conflicts, with historical perspectives varying by culture.

Somatic Symptoms in Comorbid Conditions

• Depression: Symptoms including low appetite and sleep disturbances.

• Anxiety: Muscle tension and sleep issues.

• Panic Disorders: Symptoms include a racing heart and increased breathing.

• PTSD: Physical reactions triggered by reminders of trauma.

Treatment Approaches

General Strategies

• Psychotherapy: Often considered a last resort but can help address underlying trauma.

• Physical Treatments: Physical and speech therapy can be utilized to address symptoms.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps adjust distorted thoughts about health and symptoms.

Function and Diagnosis

• Conversion Disorder: Diagnosed when symptoms contradict known medical/nerves issues. Symptoms can appear suddenly and after stress.

• Over Diagnosis Risk: Distinguishing between a conversion disorder and actual medical conditions can be challenging.

Psychophysiological Disorders

• Definition: Conditions where physical illnesses are exacerbated by psychological and social factors, differing from somatic disorders, which are primarily psychological.

• Examples: Includes conditions such as ulcers, hypertension, and migraines.

Development Influences

• Influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions, social factors, and psychological traits.

• Factors like poverty, discrimination, and health care access are critical.

Psychoneuroimmunology

• Studies the interplay between psychological factors and immune responses to stress, marking pathways like the SNS and HPA axis as crucial.

• Key Influences on Stress:

  • Biochemical pathways, personality styles, and social support systems.

  • Stress management techniques like relaxation training and support groups are vital for treatment.

Conclusion

• Understanding the interplay of mind and body in somatic and psychophysiological disorders emphasizes the importance of holistic treatment approaches.