Somatoform Disorder Quiz: Psychology Chapter 16

Study Notes

Characteristics of Somatoform Disorders

Physical complaints lack demonstrable organic basis, and psychological factors play a role in initiating, exacerbating, and maintaining symptoms
Symptoms or magnified health concerns are not under the client's conscious control

Types of Somatoform Disorders

Somatic symptom disorder: multiple physical symptoms, combining pain, GI, sexual, and pseudoneurologic symptoms
Conversion disorder (Functional neurological symptoms disorder): unexplained deficits in sensory or motor function associated with psychological factors, with an attitude of la belle indifference
Pain disorder: pain unrelieved by analgesics, influenced by psychological factors
Hypochondriasis (Illness anxiety disorder): preoccupation with the fear of having a serious disease or will get a serious disease

Onset and Clinical Course

Somatization disorder, conversion disorder, and pain disorder are more common in women
Hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorders occur equally in men and women
Somatoform disorders are either chronic or recurrent, lasting for decades
Onset of somatization and body dysmorphic disorder is around 25 years; conversion disorder, 10 to 35 years; pain disorder and hypochondriasis occur at any age

Etiology

Psychosocial theories: anxiety, frustration, and feelings expressed through physical symptoms rather than verbally
Nonconscious process control: individuals are not consciously aware of the process and do not voluntarily control it
Limited verbal expression of emotions: people do not readily express their feelings and emotions verbally
Difficulty with interpersonal conflict: physical symptoms tend to worsen in situations involving conflict or emotional stress
Psychological needs and gains: physical symptoms worsen to fulfill psychological needs for security, attention, and affection through primary and secondary gain

Biology Theories

Stimulus regulation in somatoform disorders: differences in regulating and interpreting stimuli
Misinterpretation of normal sensations: clients attribute a pathological meaning to normal body sensations
Amplification of minor discomfort: minor discomfort is amplified due to excessive concern and focus on the sensation
Impact of acute stress on gastrointestinal symptoms: acute stress can trigger visceral hypersensitivity linked to GI symptoms

Cultural Considerations

Cultural variances in somatic symptoms: types and frequencies of somatic symptoms and their interpretations differ across cultures
Examples: dhat in India, Koro in Southeast Asia, Falling-out Episodes in the Southern U.S. and Caribbean, Hwa-Byung in Korea, Sangue Dormido in Portuguese Cape Verde Islanders, and Shenjing Shuairuo in China

Treatment

Focus: managing symptoms and improving quality of life
Health care provider's role: show empathy and sensitivity, foster trusting relationships, and discourage "doctor shopping"
Medication: antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Therapeutic interventions: therapy groups, structured cognitive-behavioral group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and education

Prognosis

Functional neurological symptom disorder can remit in a few weeks
Recurrence in 20% to 25%
Somatic symptom disorders tend to be chronic or recurrent

Description

Test your knowledge of somatoform disorders, including somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder. Learn about the characteristics and symptoms of these disorders, and how they are diagnosed and treated. This quiz is perfect for psychology students and professionals looking to improve their understanding of psychological disorders.