Anxiety Disorders and Stress Q 33
The following statements describe somatoform disorders:
A. Physical symptoms are explained by organic causes.
B. It is a voluntary expression of psychological conflicts.
C. Expression of conflicts through bodily symptoms.
D. Management entails a specific medical treatment.
Correct Answer: C. Expression of conflicts through bodily symptoms
Bodily symptoms are used to handle conflicts. Up to 50 percent of primary care patients present with physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a general medical condition. Some of these patients meet criteria for somatoform disorders. Although most do not meet the strict psychiatric diagnostic criteria for one of the somatoform disorders, they can be referred to as having “somatic preoccupation,” a subthreshold presentation of somatoform disorders that can also cause patients distress and require intervention.
Option A: Manifestations do not have an organic basis. The unexplained symptoms of somatoform disorders often lead to general health anxiety; frequent or recurrent and excessive preoccupation with unexplained physical symptoms; inaccurate or exaggerated beliefs about somatic symptoms; difficult encounters with the health care system; disproportionate disability; displays of strong, often negative emotions toward the physician or office staff; unrealistic expectations; and, occasionally, resistance to or noncompliance with diagnostic or treatment efforts.
Option B: This occurs unconsciously. There are three required clinical criteria common to each of the somatoform disorders: The physical symptoms (1) cannot be fully explained by a general medical condition, another mental disorder, or the effects of a substance; (2) are not the result of factitious disorder or malingering; and (3) cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other functioning.
Option D: Medical treatment is not used because the disorder does not have a structural or organic basis. Patients who experience unexplained physical symptoms often strongly maintain the belief that their symptoms have a physical cause despite evidence to the contrary. These beliefs are based on a false interpretation of symptoms. Additionally, patients may minimize the involvement of psychiatric factors in the initiation, maintenance, or exacerbation of their physical symptoms.