Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 148
Charina, a college student who frequently visited the health center during the past year with multiple vague complaints of GI symptoms before course examinations. Although physical causes have been eliminated, the student continues to express her belief that she has a serious illness. These symptoms are typically of which of the following disorders?
A. Conversion disorder
B. Depersonalization
C. Hypochondriasis
D. Somatization disorder
Correct Answer: C. Hypochondriasis
Hypochondriasis, in this case, is shown by the client’s belief that she has a serious illness, although pathologic causes have been eliminated. The disturbance usually lasts at least 6 with identifiable life stressor such as, in this case, course examinations. Hypochondriasis, which is now known as illness anxiety disorder, and the other somatic symptom disorders (e.g., factitious disorder, conversion disorder) are among the most difficult and most complex psychiatric disorders to treat in the general medical setting. On the basis of many new developments in this field, the DMS-5 has revised diagnostic criteria to facilitate clinical care and research. While illness anxiety disorder is included in the category of “somatic symptom and related disorders” it continues to have much overlap with obsessive-compulsive disorder and related illness.
Option A: Conversion disorders are characterized by one or more neurologic symptoms. Hypochondriasis, which is now known as illness anxiety disorder, and the other somatic symptom disorders (e.g., factitious disorder, conversion disorder) are among the most difficult and most complex psychiatric disorders to treat in the general medical setting. On the basis of many new developments in this field, the DMS-5 has revised diagnostic criteria to facilitate clinical care and research. While illness anxiety disorder is included in the category of “somatic symptom and related disorders” it continues to have much overlap with obsessive-compulsive disorder and related illness.
Option B: Depersonalization refers to persistent recurrent episodes of feeling detached from one’s self or body. Depersonalization is described as feeling disconnected or detached from one’s self. Individuals may report feeling as if they are an outside observer of their own thoughts or body, and often report feeling a loss of control over their thoughts or actions.
Option D: Somatoform disorders generally have a chronic course with few remissions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) category of Somatic Symptom Disorders and Other Related Disorders represents a group of disorders characterized by thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to somatic symptoms. This category represents psychiatric conditions because the somatic symptoms are excessive for any medical disorder that may be present.