Psychosomatic Disorders

Psychosomatic Disorders • Disorders characterized by somatic

complaints for which no organic cause could be demonstrated • Usually result from emotional factors

Psychosomatic Disorders Characteristics: 2. Involve the organ system innervate by the autonomic nervous system 3. Physiologic changes accompany emotional responses that are intense 4. Symptoms are physiological rather than symbolic, the emotions beings expressed through the viscera 5. Persistent psychosomatic reactions may produce structural organic changes over time

Psychosomatic Disorders Characteristics: 5. The somatic symptoms afford generous secondary gains for the for the patients in terms of attention

Somatoform disorders • Refer to a group of psychiatric

disorders whose symptoms are severe enough to cause global impairment • The clients often present with multiple, recurrent clinically significant somatic complaints, usually colorful and exaggerated hut lacking in factual basis

Somatoform disorders • The condition is characterized by PRIMARY GAIN (relief of anxiety) and SECONDARY gain (special attention) • The individual becomes totally focused on the physical symptoms which can severely restrict activities • The person visits MULTIPLE health care providers and may

Somatoform disorders • ETIOLOGIES 1. Psychodynamic theory= utilization of the mechanism to convert psychic energy to physical manifestations. Conversion represents the symbolic resolution of the anxiety

Somatoform disorders • ETIOLOGIES 2. Neurobiologic theoryneurotransmitter dysregulation. There is deficient communication between the brain hemisphere resulting to difficult expression of emotions, and distress is expressed as physical symptoms

Somatoform disorders • ETIOLOGIES 3. SOCIO-cultural factors- higher among low SES

Types of Somatoform disorders Types

Characteristics

Somatization Disorder

History of multiple physical complaints without organic basis

Hypochondriasis

Unrealistic fear of having a serious disease

Body dysmorphic disorder

Pre-occupation with an imagined defect in the normal appearing person

Types of Somatoform disorders

Types

Characteristics

Pain disorder

Chronic pain in many anatomic sites

Conversion disorder

Loss or change in physical functioning that cannot be associated with any organic cause and seems to be associated with psychosocial stressors

Somatoform disorders NURSING MANAGEMENT 2. Mainstay treatment is a long term relationship with a health care provider to prevent the patient from seeking multiple providers with multiple recommendations 3. Assist in psychotherapy as part of the treatment plan