A nurse is educating a group of students about somatic symptom illnesses. Which disorder is characterized by intentional production or falsification of symptoms to gain attention or care?
Conversion disorder.
Illness anxiety disorder.
Factitious disorder.
Somatic symptom disorder.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
"Conversion disorder.". Choice A is not the correct answer. Conversion disorder involves the development of physical symptoms, such as motor or sensory deficits, that suggest a neurological or medical condition but are actually caused by psychological factors. It does not involve intentional production or falsification of symptoms for attention.
Choice B rationale:
"Illness anxiety disorder.". Choice B is not the correct answer. Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and fear of having a serious illness, even in the absence of medical evidence. It does not involve intentional fabrication of symptoms for attention.
Choice C rationale:
"Factitious disorder.". Choice C is the correct answer. Factitious disorder is characterized by intentionally producing or falsifying physical or psychological symptoms to assume the role of a sick person. The primary motivation is to receive attention, care, and sympathy from medical professionals or others. This behavior is driven by psychological factors rather than genuine medical need.
Choice D rationale:
"Somatic symptom disorder.". Choice D is not the correct answer. Somatic symptom disorder involves experiencing distressing physical symptoms that interfere with daily life. While the symptoms are real and genuinely felt, the central issue in somatic symptom disorder is the excessive response to these symptoms and the preoccupation with health concerns. It is not primarily about intentionally falsifying symptoms for attention.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Somatic symptom illnesses are not solely caused by biological factors. While there can be some biological factors that contribute to these illnesses, they are not the sole determinant. Somatic symptom illnesses involve a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that interact to create the overall clinical picture. This choice is incorrect as it oversimplifies the nature of somatic symptom illnesses.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect. Somatic symptom illnesses are not indicative of laziness or malingering on the part of the client. These illnesses are genuine and can cause significant distress to the individuals experiencing them. Labeling them as laziness or malingering is not only inaccurate but also stigmatizing. Somatic symptom illnesses are complex and require a comprehensive understanding for proper management.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. Somatic symptom illnesses are indeed complex disorders that result from interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. Individuals with somatic symptom illnesses experience physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by underlying medical conditions. These symptoms often have a psychological component, such as anxiety or distress, which can exacerbate the physical symptoms. Additionally, social factors, including cultural influences and environmental stressors, can contribute to the development and maintenance of these illnesses. A biopsychosocial model is commonly used to understand and manage somatic symptom illnesses.
Choice D rationale:
Somatic symptom illnesses are not exclusively caused by psychological factors. While psychological factors can contribute to the onset and exacerbation of these illnesses, there is often a biological basis as well. The interplay between psychological, biological, and social factors is essential to understanding these disorders. This choice is incorrect because it disregards the biological component that plays a role in somatic symptom illnesses.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I'm struggling with altered motor function.". Choice A is not associated with the behavior described in the question. Altered motor function typically refers to difficulties with movement and coordination, which may be genuine physical issues but are not indicative of intentionally falsifying symptoms for attention.
Choice B rationale:
"I don't know why I'm feeling this way.". Choice B does not accurately reflect the behavior of repeatedly falsifying psychological symptoms for attention. This statement suggests a lack of understanding regarding one's feelings, rather than intentionally seeking attention through fabricated symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
"I just want attention from others.". Choice C is the correct answer. This statement is commonly associated with the behavior described in the question. Individuals who falsify or exaggerate psychological symptoms often do so to gain attention from others. This behavior is characteristic of factitious disorders, where the primary motivation is to be seen as ill and receive care and concern.
Choice D rationale:
"I'm worried about having a serious illness.". Choice D does not align with the behavior of intentionally falsifying psychological symptoms for attention. Expressing concern about a serious illness might indicate genuine health-related anxiety but does not reflect the behavior described in the question.
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