Deck 10: Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

Question 1

All of the following are true regarding somatic symptom disorder EXCEPT:

A) The person has one or more somatic symptoms that cause disruption in his or her life.
B) The symptoms must be medically unexplained (i.e., there is no medical explanation for their presence).
C) The person experiences excessive thoughts, feelings, or actions related to the symptoms.
D) The specifier "with predominant pain" can be given if pain is a primary symptom/concern.

Answer 1

The symptoms must be medically unexplained (i.e., there is no medical explanation for their presence).

Question 2

When beginning treatment with those who have somatic symptom disorder, a recommended strategy for therapists is to:

A) Emphasize that medical professionals have not been able to find the cause of their symptoms or pain.
B) Confront them about their distorted beliefs about physical symptoms.
C) Accept the clients' perceptions of physical complaints as something they genuinely experience.
D) Self-disclose about similar physical symptoms or pain that the therapist has experienced.

Answer 2

Accept the clients' perceptions of physical complaints as something they genuinely experience.

Question 3

It can be helpful for individuals with somatic symptom disorder to complete a self-report log to begin to see the connection between stress or emotional situations and the impact on their symptoms.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

____ is a treatment developed in Denmark specifically for the treatment of somatic symptoms. It is based on CBT and has been found effective in improving self-reported physical health.

A) Specific protocol for somatic symptoms (SPSS).
B) Specialized treatment for severe bodily distress syndromes (STreSS).
C) Copenhagen somatic symptom treatment (CSST).
D) Enhanced CBT (CBT-E).

Question 5

All of the following are true regarding the treatment of somatic symptom disorder EXCEPT:

A) Medication alone is ideal for most people and provides enough benefit that therapy is not needed.
B) Those with SSD tend to resist the idea of needing psychotherapeutic interventions.
C) Those with SSD are often more willing to participate in therapy when it is endorsed by a family member.
D) Many with SSD become isolated and almost homebound because of the health-related concerns, so group therapy can help provide support and socialization.

Question 6

Persistent/severe anxiety related to having or acquiring a serious illness along with the experience of significant and distressing somatic symptoms that disrupt one's life is called illness anxiety disorder.

Question 7

Which of the following is true regarding illness anxiety disorder (IAD):

A) Many similarities have been noted between illness anxiety disorder and OCD.
B) The constant worrying and reassurance-seeking has a negative impact on interpersonal relationships.
C) Individuals with IAD often check their bodies for signs and symptoms of a disease/illness as well as researching illnesses on the internet.
D) All of the above.

Question 8

An example of using exposure and response prevention with illness anxiety disorder would involve the imaginal exposure of ____ and the response prevention of ____.

A) Imagining touching a door handle on a public restroom; not washing hands immediately.
B) Imagining going to a doctor; not taking medication.
C) Thinking about the possibility of having an illness; not contacting the doctor's office immediately for an appointment.
D) Having a headache; doing yoga.

Question 9

An approach to treatment using _____ would not try to change a person's thoughts or fears about having an illness; rather it encourages the person to stay in the present moment and accept whatever thoughts come to mind.

A) Ccognitive restructuring.
B) Mindfulness.
C) Flooding.
D) Counter-conditioning.

Question 10

The presence of neurologic symptoms (e.g., seizures, paralysis, numbness) without an actual neurological condition is characteristic of:

A) Conversion disorder.
B) Somatization disorder.
C) Hypochondriasis.
D) Body dysmorphic disorder.

Question 11

For years a coach at a high-powered football school has experienced pressure to win, resulting in a high level of stress. This stress exacerbates his hypertension. The most likely diagnosis is:

A) Anxiety disorder due to hypertension.
B) Conversion disorder.
C) Psychological factors affecting other medical condition (hypertension).
D) Somatic symptom disorder.

Question 12

_____ is the most likely diagnosis when a parent creates or exaggerates physical or psychological symptoms in a child for the purpose of receiving attention, support, and sympathy.

A) Malingering.
B) Malingering by proxy.
C) Factitious disorder.
D) Factitious disorder imposed on another.

Question 13

Situations like parents who create or exaggerate physical or psychological symptoms in a child for the purpose of receiving attention, support, and sympathy:

A) Are rare.
B) More often involve fathers than mothers.
C) Should be suspected when there is a high level of consistency between a child's symptom presentation and known medical illnesses.
D) Have a very positive prognosis.