Somatic and Related Disorders

Question 1

Conversion Disorder criteria

Answer 1

A. One or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor/sensory function
B. Clinical findings provide evidence of incompatibility between the symptom and recognized neurological/medical symptoms

Question 2

Management of conversation disorders

Answer 2

Biological: SSRI if comorbid depression and anxiety
Psychological: Insight-oriented supportive therapy, behaviour therapy

Question 3

Illness Anxiety Disorder criteria

Answer 3

A. Preoccupation with having/acquiring a serious illness
B. Somatic symptoms are either absent/mild and if there is another medical condition/high risk for developing one, preoccupation is clearly excessive
C. High level of anxiety about health, easily alarmed about health status
D. Individual performs excessive health-related behaviors or exhibits maladaptive avoidance
E. Preoccupation has been present for at least 6 months
F. Not better explained by another mental disorder

Question 4

Management of illness anxiety disorder

Answer 4

Regularly scheduled visits to ONE gp

CBT

Question 5

Somatic symptom disorder criteria

Answer 5

A. One or more somatic symptoms that are distressing/result in significant disruption of life
B. At least one of the following
- disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of one’s symptoms
- persistently high anxiety regarding health symptoms
- excessive time and energy devoted to these symptoms
C. State of symptoms persistent for at least 6 months

Question 6

Management of somatic symptom disorder

Answer 6

Pharmacotherapy: SSRI for somatisation, SNRI for somatoform pain
Therapy: self-help, supportive psychotherapy, CBT, regular appointments