Psychiatric Medications Q 9

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Jose, who has been hospitalized with schizophrenia tells Nurse Ron, “My heart has stopped and my veins have turned to glass!” Nurse Ron is aware that this is an example of:

  

     A. Somatic delusions

     B. Depersonalization

     C. Hypochondriasis

     D. Echolalia

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Somatic delusions

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Somatic delusion is a fixed false belief about one’s body. Of the delusional symptoms, somatic delusions-those that pertain to the body-are rather rare. Somatic delusions are defined as fixed false beliefs that one’s bodily function or appearance is grossly abnormal. They are a poorly understood psychiatric symptom and pose a significant clinical challenge to clinicians.

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Option B: 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 C: Illness anxiety disorder (IAD) is a recent term for what used to be diagnosed as hypochondriasis, or hypochondria. People diagnosed with IAD strongly believe they have a serious or life-threatening illness despite having no, or only mild, symptoms. Yet IAD patients’ concerns are to them very real. Even if they go to doctors and no illnesses are found, they are generally not reassured and their obsessive worry continues.

Option D: Echolalia is the unsolicited repetition of vocalizations made by another person (when repeated by the same person, it is called palilalia). In its profound form, it is automatic and effortless.

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