Overview of Somatic and Dissociative Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is a defining characteristic of somatic symptom disorder?

Presence of multiple distinct personalities

Distress from a preoccupation with health or appearance (correct)

Excessive enjoyment of physical symptoms

Dissociation from memory or sense of reality

What did Pierre Briquet refer to when describing patients in 1859?

Somatic symptom disorder (correct)

Dissociative identity disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder

Hysterical neurosis

How is the duration of somatic symptoms characterized in somatic symptom disorder?

Intermittent throughout life

Varies significantly with each occurrence

Typically less than one month

Persistent for at least six months (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for somatic symptom disorder?

Chronic pain lasting less than six months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the link between somatic symptom and dissociative disorders?

They share common features and historical context. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes 'excessive thoughts' in the context of somatic symptom disorder?

Overwhelming anxiety about health conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the severity levels in somatic symptom disorder is true?

Mild involves only one of the symptoms in Criterion B. Signup and view all the answers

In somatic symptom disorder, what is meant by 'maladaptive response'?

An inappropriate reaction to physical symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Individuals often misinterpret mild bodily sensations as indicative of illness. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic that distinguishes malingering from factitious disorder?

Motivation is usually external rather than internal. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom level qualifies for a 'severe' classification in somatic symptom disorder?

Two or more symptoms along with multiple somatic complaints. Signup and view all the answers

In factitious disorder imposed on another, what is the primary intent behind the behavior?

To make another person appear ill for attention. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT associated with Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Presence of multiple severe somatic symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion indicates that a symptom is not better explained by another medical disorder?

The symptom causes distress. Signup and view all the answers

How long must illness preoccupation persist to meet the criteria for Illness Anxiety Disorder?

At least 6 months. Signup and view all the answers

What defines factitious disorder according to its diagnostic criteria?

Fabrication of symptoms without external rewards. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder exhibit?

Avoidance of health-related information. Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals with factitious disorder typically present themselves?

As ill, impaired, or injured. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the perception of doctors’ reassurances in Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Reassurances provide only temporary relief. Signup and view all the answers

In Illness Anxiety Disorder, individuals tend to focus on which aspect more than actual symptoms?

The fear of developing a serious illness. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the motivation of a malingerer from a person with factitious disorder?

Malingerers may attempt to escape responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder instead of Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Experience of multiple moderate somatic symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the symptoms of malingering is true?

Symptoms are often exaggerated beyond expected standards. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding factitious disorder imposed on another?

It can only occur in familial relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Conversion Disorder from other medical conditions?

Symptoms affect voluntary motor or sensory function without a medical explanation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a psychological factor adversely affecting a medical condition?

A patient with asthma experiencing increased anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential feature of Psychological Factors affecting a medical condition?

The presence of a diagnosed medical condition influenced by psychological factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'psychogenic non-epileptic seizures'?

Seizures without significant EEG changes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Conversion Disorder?

Loss of speech without any underlying neurological condition Signup and view all the answers

How are the symptoms of Conversion Disorder described?

They are incompatible with recognized medical conditions Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would a Care-seeking type individual likely seek medical help?

They frequently consult doctors and undergo tests Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with globus hystericus?

The sensation of a lump in the throat affecting swallowing Signup and view all the answers

What defines a depersonalization experience in dissociative disorders?

Experiencing disconnection from one's mental processes or body. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characterizes derealization?

Experiences of unreality regarding one's surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

What does reality testing refer to in the context of dissociative disorders?

The ability to accurately assess one's surroundings during episodes. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT characteristic of depersonalization-derealization disorder?

Complete loss of reality awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a common experience for individuals with dissociative disorders?

They may feel as if they are watching themselves in a dream. Signup and view all the answers

What is a diagnostic criterion for depersonalization-derealization disorder?

Experiences must cause significant distress or impairment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of dissociative disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder. Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly experienced during episodes of dissociation?

Perceptual distortions in which shapes and sizes may seem altered. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of amnesia involves an inability to remember specific events?

Localized or selective amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of Dissociative Amnesia?

Inability to recall important autobiographical information Signup and view all the answers

Dissociative Amnesia does NOT include symptoms that are better explained by which of the following?

Major depressive disorder Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes dissociative fugue within Dissociative Amnesia?

Purposeful travel associated with amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the diagnostic criteria for Dissociative Amnesia?

To rule out other psychiatric disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom that would indicate Dissociative Amnesia?

Psychotic episodes Signup and view all the answers

The average number of identities in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is approximately how many?

15 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of amnesia involves general memory loss, affecting identity and life history?

Generalized amnesia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Individuals may have excessive preoccupation with health or appearance dominating their lives
Somatic symptom disorders involve an excessive or maladaptive response to physical symptoms or health concerns
Somatic symptom disorders historically linked to hysterical neurosis, and evidence suggests shared features with dissociative disorders
Dissociative disorders involve detachment from oneself, experiences of unreality, and loss of identity or memory. These experiences are intense and extreme, making functioning difficult.

Somatic Symptom Disorder

In 1859, Pierre Briquet described patients with seemingly endless somatic complaints that persisted despite negative findings
This condition, once called Briquet's syndrome, is now known as Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Diagnostic criteria include one or more distressing somatic symptoms causing significant daily life disruption.
Patients’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding somatic symptoms or health concerns are excessive and persistent, often causing significant anxiety and excessive time/energy spent on health concerns
Symptoms are usually present for more than 6 months.
Specify whether the predominance is pain, and specify current severity
(Mild: only one symptom fulfilled in Criterion B; Moderate: two or more symptoms fulfilled in Criterion B)

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Formerly known as hypochondriasis
Physical symptoms are not experienced strongly currently or are relatively mild and often involve intense concern about having or developing a serious illness.
Focused on the possibility of serious illness, rather than physical symptoms themselves
Anxiety and distress associated with other symptoms—if severe—would indicate Somatic Symptom Disorder instead
Characterized by anxiety or fear of illness, with misinterpretations of bodily sensations as indicative of illness.
Reassurance from doctors has a limited effect

Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Disorder)

Symptoms involve physical malfunctioning (e.g., paralysis, blindness, aphonia) without an organic cause.
Includes a wide range of symptoms (e.g., total mutism or loss of touch)
Symptoms potentially include seizure-like episodes (psychogenic non-epileptic seizures) or swallowing difficulties.
Diagnostic criteria include one or more symptoms affecting voluntary motor or sensory function, that are inconsistent with recognized medical conditions/disorders, and significant distress or impairment in social / occupational functioning
Symptoms not explained by mental or other disorders; diagnosis warrants medical evaluation

Malingering

Deliberate production of physical symptoms for an external gain (not inherent motivation)
May involve fabrication to avoid work, legal ramifications, or other difficulties

Factitious Disorder

Symptoms intentionally produced to assume the sick role, sometimes even in family members
Characterized by intentional fabrication of physical or psychological symptoms or illness (or injuries), and deception
Internal motivation; symptoms are under voluntary control.

Dissociative Disorders

Characterized by feelings of detachment from self or surroundings; sometimes described as dreaming or living in slow motion
Three types include depersonalization-derealization, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder
Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in a person’s awareness, memory, or identity.

Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder

Persistent feelings/experiences of detachment that are severe enough to dominate an individual's life and impair functioning
The individual experiences a sense of unreality about oneself or their surroundings, and this can significantly affect their daily lives
Reality testing remains intact during this experience.

Dissociative Amnesia

Inability to recall important personal information, often relating to stressful or traumatic events
Ranges from localized (involving a single event) to generalized (involving identity and life history)
Could involve dissociative fugue, unexpected travel or bewildered wandering with loss of memory of personal identity

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Characterized by existence of two or more distinct identities or personality states (alters), that function independently, sometimes with different physical characteristics (or voices)
Typically involve periods of inability to recall information
May include different alters that co-exist, sometimes with a host identity or dominant personality
Symptoms lead to distress or significant problems in social, work, or other important aspects of life

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Description

Explore the complexities of Somatic Symptom Disorders and Dissociative Disorders, including their historical context and diagnostic criteria. Understand how excessive health preoccupations can affect daily life and the intense experiences related to dissociation. This quiz aims to clarify these intertwined mental health issues.