ATI Ch 20, Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders Flashcards
(59 cards)
What are somatic symptom and related disorders?
Somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, functional neurological symptom disorder, factitious disorder, and psychological factors affecting other medical conditions.
What is somatization?
The expression of psychological stress through physical manifestations.
What is a key characteristic of somatic symptom disorder?
Physical manifestations cannot be explained by underlying pathology.
How do somatic manifestations affect clients?
They cause distress and often lead to long-term use of health care services.
What are the typical characteristics of somatic manifestations?
They can be vague or exaggerated.
What is the typical course of somatic symptom disorder?
It can be acute but is often chronic, with periods of remission and exacerbation.
How do clients with somatic symptom disorder view psychological diagnoses?
They often reject a psychological diagnosis as the cause for their physical manifestations.
Where are clients with somatic symptom disorder usually seen first?
In a primary or medical care setting.
What common comorbidities are associated with somatic symptom disorder?
Anxiety and depression.
What are some risk factors for somatic symptom disorder?
- First-degree relative with somatic symptom disorder
- Decreased levels of neurotransmitters: serotonin and endorphins
- Depressive disorder, personality disorder, or anxiety disorder
- Low socioeconomic status
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Learned helplessness
What are expected findings in clients with somatic symptom disorder?
- Somatic manifestations that disrupt daily life
- Excessive preoccupation with somatic manifestations
- Increased anxiety about somatic manifestations
- Symptoms present for longer than 6 months
- Remissions and exacerbations of symptoms
- Possible substance use
- High utilization of health services
What laboratory and diagnostic tests may be performed for somatic symptom disorder?
CT scans and MRIs can be performed to rule out underlying pathology.
What is the purpose of the Patient Health Questionnaire 15 (PHQ-15)?
To identify the presence of the 15 most commonly reported somatic manifestations.
List some common somatic manifestations identified by the PHQ-15.
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Pain in extremities/joints
- Menstrual problems or cramps
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Heart pounding or racing
- Dyspnea
- Problems with sexual intercourse
- Bowel elimination issues
- Nausea, indigestion, or gas
- Lethargy
- Sleep problems
What nursing care strategies are recommended for clients with somatic symptom disorder?
- Accept somatic manifestations as real
- Assess for suicidal ideation
- Identify cultural impacts on health views
- Identify secondary gains from somatic symptoms (attention, distraction from problems, etc.)
- Report new manifestations to the provider
- Limit discussion time on symptoms
- Encourage self-care and verbalization of feelings
- Educate on coping mechanisms and assertiveness
- Encourage daily physical exercise
What is reattribution treatment?
A treatment that assists clients to identify the link between physical manifestations and psychological factors while promoting a sense of caring and understanding.
This approach is critical in managing somatic symptom disorder.
What is the first stage of reattribution treatment?
Feeling understood: Use therapeutic communication, active listening, and empathy to obtain a thorough history of manifestations and focus on the client’s perception.
This stage includes a brief assessment of the client’s physical assessment.
What occurs in the second stage of reattribution treatment?
Broadening the agenda: Acknowledge the client’s concerns and provide feedback about assessment findings.
This stage helps in validating the client’s feelings.
What is the focus of the third stage of reattribution treatment?
Making the link: Acknowledge the lack of a physical cause for the manifestations while allowing the client to maintain self-esteem.
What happens in the fourth stage of reattribution treatment?
Negotiating further treatment: Work with the provider and client to develop a treatment plan for regular follow-up visits.
What types of medications may be administered for somatic symptom disorder?
- Analgesics
- Antidepressants
- Anxiolytics
What client education should be provided for somatic symptom disorder?
- Participate in individual and group therapy
- Utilize prescribed medications
- Assist a case manager in developing a follow-up appointment schedule
What is illness anxiety disorder?
A disorder where clients misinterpret physical manifestations as evidence of a serious disease process, leading to obsessive thoughts and fears about illness.