A client with somatic symptom illness is interested in exploring treatment options beyond medication. Which non-pharmacological intervention involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow?

Choice A rationale:

Medication-based therapy - While medications can be a part of the treatment plan for somatic symptom illnesses to manage specific symptoms like anxiety or depression, they primarily address physiological symptoms and may not directly target underlying emotional factors. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Choice B rationale:

Surgical intervention - Surgical procedures are typically not the primary approach for managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are characterized by physical symptoms that are influenced by emotional factors, and surgical intervention does not address the underlying emotional aspects.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy - This is a commonly used therapeutic approach for somatic symptom illnesses. It focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying emotional factors that contribute to the physical symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals recognize and change dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors that exacerbate their symptoms. By promoting healthier coping mechanisms and emotional processing, it can effectively manage both the psychological and physiological aspects of somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice D rationale:

Physical therapy - Physical therapy primarily deals with musculoskeletal and movement-related issues. While it can be beneficial for individuals with certain physical symptoms, it doesn't primarily target the emotional factors that underlie somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice A rationale:

"Factitious disorder.". Choice A is not the correct answer for this question. Factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or feigning physical or psychological symptoms in oneself to assume the sick role, but it's not primarily characterized by excessive responses to the symptoms. It is more about assuming the role of a patient for psychological reasons.

Choice B rationale:

"Somatic symptom disorder.". Choice B is the correct answer. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by distressing physical symptoms that interfere with daily life. The individual's response to these symptoms is excessive, and they often become preoccupied with their health concerns. This condition differs from factitious disorder in that the symptoms are not intentionally produced for attention; they are genuinely experienced, but the distress and preoccupation become the central issue.

Choice C rationale:

"Conversion disorder.". Choice C is not the correct answer. Conversion disorder involves experiencing neurological-like symptoms, such as paralysis or blindness, that cannot be attributed to a medical condition. The symptoms often arise due to psychological stressors and are not intentionally produced or exaggerated for attention.

Choice D rationale:

"Illness anxiety disorder.". Choice D is not the correct answer. Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite minimal or no medical evidence of such an illness. The focus is on the fear of having a disease, rather than the distressing physical symptoms described in the question.