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  • Types of somatic symptom illnesses
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Types of somatic symptom illnesses

The types of somatic symptom illnesses include:

  • Somatic symptom disorder: The person has one or more chronic physical symptoms that are distressing or interfere with daily life, and has excessive or maladaptive responses to the symptoms or their health concerns.
  • Illness anxiety disorder: The person has a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, despite having no or minimal somatic symptoms, and has excessive health-related behaviors or avoidance.
  • Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder): The person has one or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function that are incompatible with neurological or medical conditions, and cause significant distress or impairment.
  • Factitious disorder: The person intentionally produces or falsifies physical or psychological symptoms or signs, without any external rewards, in order to assume the sick role.
  • Other specified somatic symptoms and related disorders: The person has somatic symptoms that cause clinically significant distress or impairment but do not meet the full criteria for any of the specific disorders.
  • Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder: The person has somatic symptoms that cause clinically significant distress or impairment but the clinician chooses not to specify the reason for not meeting the full criteria for any of the specific disorders.

Aspect

Somatic Symptom Disorder

Factitious Disorder

Conversion Disorder

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Nature of Symptoms

Physical symptoms with no apparent medical cause.

Faking, exaggerating, or inducing symptoms for attention or care.

Neurological symptoms affecting voluntary motor or sensory functions.

Persistent fear or belief of having a serious illness despite minimal or no symptoms.

Awareness of Symptoms

The individual is genuinely distressed and concerned about symptoms.

The individual is consciously aware of fabricating or inducing symptoms.

The individual is unaware of the psychological origins of symptoms.

The individual is aware of their anxiety, but it is focused on illness.

Motivation

Symptoms are not intentionally produced and cause significant distress.

Motivated by attention, sympathy, or to assume a "sick role."

Symptoms are a psychological response to stress, often providing a way to avoid distressing situations.

Preoccupation with having a serious illness despite reassurance and medical evaluations.

Primary Gain

Emotional relief gained from focusing on physical symptoms.

Attention and care from others due to assumed illness.

Temporary reduction of anxiety or escape from stressful situations.

Reassurance and medical tests temporarily alleviate anxiety.

Secondary Gain

Social support and attention received due to symptoms.

Increased attention, avoidance of responsibilities, and sympathy.

Attention and care from others; may escape from undesirable situations.

Reassurance from medical professionals and temporary relief from anxiety.

Diagnostic Criteria

Experiencing distressing physical symptoms along with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to symptoms.

Intentional production or falsification of physical or psychological symptoms; motivation for external gain.

Neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition; significant distress or impairment.

Preoccupation with having a serious illness, excessive health-related behaviors, and minimal or no somatic symptoms.

Treatment Approach

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, addresses underlying emotional factors, and managing symptoms.

Addressing underlying psychological issues through therapy and addressing the motivation for symptom fabrication.

Focusing on addressing underlying stressors and providing supportive therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, reassurance, and addressing anxiety-related thought patterns.

Prognosis

Variable; improvement with appropriate therapy and support.

Challenging; requires addressing complex psychological motivations.

Often improves with time and treatment of underlying stressors.

Can improve with therapy, but may fluctuate based on anxiety levels.

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Questions on Types of somatic symptom illnesses

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>Factitious disorder involves intentionally falsifying or inducing physical or psychological symptoms for the purpose of assuming the sick role. This choice does not reflect the chronic nature of the symptoms in the scenario, nor does it address the distress experienced by the client.</p>

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>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.</p>

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

<p>Intentionally inducing symptoms for attention is a characteristic of factitious disorder, not conversion disorder. This choice does not align with the involuntary nature of the symptoms described in the scenario.</p>

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>&quot;I&#39;m worried about having a serious illness.&quot;. 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.</p>

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

<p>&quot;Illness anxiety disorder.&quot;. 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.</p>

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>&quot;Somatic symptom disorder.&quot;. 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.</p>

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

<p>Gaining attention and sympathy. While seeking attention and sympathy may be an outcome of the client&#39;s behavior, it is not the primary motivation. The client&#39;s behavior is rooted in their belief of having a serious illness, leading to intentional symptom production, rather than solely seeking attention or sympathy.</p>

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

<p>Somatic symptom disorder. Somatic symptom disorder involves distressing and disruptive physical symptoms that may or may not have an identifiable medical cause. The key characteristic is the disproportionate and excessive focus on the symptoms themselves, leading to impaired functioning. This disorder can include intentional symptom production but is not solely defined by it.<strong></strong>​​​​​​​</p>

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

<p>The client&#39;s symptoms are not intentionally produced and cause distress. This choice accurately characterizes illness anxiety disorder. The symptoms experienced by individuals with this disorder are not intentionally produced but are associated with distress due to the individual&#39;s persistent fear and belief in having a serious illness.<strong></strong>​​​​​​​</p>

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>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&#39;t primarily target the emotional factors that underlie somatic symptom illnesses.</p>

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

<p>Social isolation and cultural expectations regarding health - While social isolation and cultural expectations can influence an individual&#39;s perception of health and illness, they are more likely to play a secondary role in the context of somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are primarily rooted in the interaction between psychological and physiological factors.</p>

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

<p>Symptoms that do not affect psychological well-being - Somatic symptom illnesses inherently involve a significant impact on psychological well-being. The distress and impairment caused by the physical symptoms are a core aspect of these illnesses, differentiating them from purely physical conditions.<strong></strong>​​​​​​​</p>

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>Providing excessive attention and sympathy to the client might inadvertently reinforce their focus on physical symptoms rather than addressing the underlying emotional issues. This approach could potentially contribute to the maintenance of somatic symptom illness.</p>

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

<p>Assisting the client to identify and use healthy coping strategies is a sound intervention. Coping strategies can help the client manage both physical symptoms and emotional distress in adaptive ways, improving their overall quality of life.</p>

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>Exploring the client&#39;s childhood hobbies and interests may not directly contribute to the assessment of somatic symptom illness. While understanding the client&#39;s background is important, focusing on medical and psychological aspects is more relevant in this context.</p>

<p>Using sarcasm to help the client confront their behavior is inappropriate and unprofessional. Sarcasm can damage the therapeutic relationship, making the client feel ridiculed and unheard. Respectful and empathetic communication is crucial in nursing care, especially when dealing with individuals

<p>Advising the client to continue avoiding physical activities is not recommended. Encouraging physical activity within the client&#39;s capabilities can have positive effects on their overall well-being. Avoidance of physical activities might lead to deconditioning and worsen the client&#39;s phys

<p>A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support physical and mental health. Nutritional factors can influence the body&#39;s response to stress and affect mood. Encouraging the client to maintain a balanced diet can contribute to their overall well-being.<strong></strong>​​​​​

<p>Repressing emotions is not a recommended coping strategy for somatic symptom illness. Repression can lead to increased stress and potentially worsen physical symptoms. Encouraging emotional awareness and expression is more beneficial for the client&#39;s psychological well-being.<strong></strong>

<p>Encouraging the client to focus solely on their illness behavior is counterproductive. Overemphasis on illness behavior can perpetuate the symptoms and prevent the client from developing a broader sense of identity and well-being.</p>

<p>Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that is often used to manage neuropathic pain, including pain associated with somatic symptom illnesses. It can help alleviate pain by affecting nerve signals in the brain.</p>

<p>Hypnosis is a relaxation technique that aims to induce a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. During hypnosis, individuals may experience deep relaxation and increased responsiveness to suggestions. It can be used to manage pain, anxiety, and other symptoms.<stron

<p>While mood improvement is possible with treatment, stating that the physical symptoms will remain unchanged (Choice D) is overly pessimistic. Treatment approaches aim to address both physical and psychological aspects of somatic symptom illnesses.</p>

<p>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 li

<p>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 t

<p>The client&#39;s preference for alternative medicine may influence their treatment approach, but it is not a key factor that universally affects outcomes in managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are typically addressed through a combination of psychological interventions and, in som

<p>Physical therapy focuses on improving physical function and mobility through exercises and techniques. It does not involve the use of needles or energy flow stimulation, making it less relevant to somatic symptom illness treatment compared to acupuncture.</p>

<p>Duloxetine is an SNRI that is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and certain pain conditions. Like other SNRIs, it acts on both serotonin and norepinephrine systems to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.<strong></strong>​​​​​​​</p>

<p>Developing a dislike for medical appointments - This is not a realistic or relevant goal for the treatment of somatic symptom illnesses. Medical appointments are necessary for proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. Encouraging a dislike for medical appointments could hin

<p>Interpersonal therapy - Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication. While these skills are valuable, this type of therapy might not be the primary choice for directly addressing the cognitive aspect of somatic symptom illnesses.</p>
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