A nurse is explaining the potential outcomes of somatic symptom illnesses to a client. Which of the following statements accurately describes a possible outcome for a client with somatic symptom illness?

Choice A rationale:

Hypnosis (Choice A) is a relaxation technique that involves inducing a trance-like state of heightened focus and suggestibility. It does not involve electronic devices for monitoring physiological functions.

Choice B rationale:

Acupuncture (Choice B) is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving needle insertion at specific points on the body. It is not related to using electronic devices for physiological monitoring.

Choice C rationale:

Psychotherapy (Choice C) encompasses various talk therapies used to address mental health issues. It does not specifically involve electronic devices for physiological feedback.

Choice D rationale:

Biofeedback involves using electronic devices to monitor physiological functions like heart rate, muscle tension, and skin conductance. Individuals receive real-time feedback and learn to control these functions through relaxation techniques. It is an effective approach for managing conditions like anxiety, headaches, and high blood pressure.

Choice A rationale:

Altered motor functions and sensory symptoms are more indicative of conversion disorder rather than illness anxiety disorder. Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms that cannot be medically explained, which contrasts with the preoccupation with serious illness seen in illness anxiety disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Intentionally producing physical symptoms for attention aligns with factitious disorder, where individuals feign or induce symptoms to assume the sick role. This behavior does not align with the diagnostic criteria for illness anxiety disorder.

Choice C rationale:

This choice correctly identifies the key characteristic of illness anxiety disorder, which involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite minimal or no symptoms. This preoccupation causes distress and often leads the individual to seek medical reassurance repeatedly.

Choice D rationale:

Experiencing chronic physical symptoms with excessive responses might be seen in somatic symptom disorder, where the distress and impairment caused by the symptoms are disproportionate. However, this choice does not specifically address the preoccupation with serious illness that defines illness anxiety disorder.