SOMATOFORM DISORDERS The body cries when the eyes cannot

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SOMATOFORM DISORDERSThe body cries when the
eyes cannot

• CHARACTERISTICS
• ALTERED PHYSICAL FUNCTION
• NOT MEDICALLY EXPLAINED
• POSITIVE EVIDENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
• USUALLY NO OVERT ANXIETY
• NOT UNDER VOLUNTARY CONTROL

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CONVERSION DISORDER

• Old name- Hysterical Disorder
• A loss or alteration in physical capacity in
  which no physical disorder is present.
• Unconscious- not intentional
• Secondary gain- (avoid something noxious, get
  attention)
• La belle indifference
• 6x more frequent in females
• Diagnosis by exclusion

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Somatization Disorder- Briquets Syndrome

• Recurring, multiple somatic complaints affecting
  many different organ systems.
• Beginning before age 30
• 0-2 females, lt0.2 males
• Frequent history of child abuse

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HYPOCHONDRICAL DISORDER

• Fear of serious illness which reassurance doesnt
  change
• Vigilance for symptoms all over body
• Preoccupation with bodily function
• Similar to somatization but fewer complaint
  (probably no basis for separating)
• Doctor shopping- polypharmacy

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Other somatiform disorders

• Pain Disorder (psychalgia)
• Most frequently occuring somatiform disorder
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Preoccupation with an imagined defect in
  appearance

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Distinguish between Somatoform