Somatic Symptom Disorder Management

Study Notes

Assessment and Diagnosis

Important considerations:
- Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is characterized by excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to physical symptoms.
- Assessment should focus on the patient's emotional and psychological response to symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves.
Assessment tools:
- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15)
- Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS-8)
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
Diagnostic criteria:
- One or more somatic symptoms causing distress or impairment
- Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to symptoms
- Symptoms lasting at least 6 months

Medication Management

Pharmacological interventions:
- Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Anti-anxiety medications (e.g., benzodiazepines) for short-term management of anxiety
Important considerations:
- Patient education on medication use and potential side effects
- Monitoring for medication adherence and potential interactions

Therapeutic Relationships

Establishing a therapeutic relationship:
- Empathy and validation of patient's experiences
- Active listening and open communication
- Building trust and rapport
Key therapeutic strategies:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and behaviors
- Problem-focused coping to enhance coping skills

Crisis Intervention

Identifying crisis situations:
- Suicidal ideation or behavior
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety
- Deterioration of physical symptoms
Crisis intervention strategies:
- De-escalation techniques to reduce anxiety and distress
- Brief solution-focused therapy to address immediate concerns
- Referral to emergency services or crisis hotlines as needed

Description

Assess and manage somatic symptom disorder through various therapeutic approaches and medications. Learn about the diagnosis, pharmacological interventions, therapeutic relationships, and crisis intervention strategies.