In the previous post, we explored how physical (somatic) symptoms can lead some individuals to experience psychological and/or behavioral distress. In this post, I’ll describe Somatic Symptom Disorder as well as two related disorders, using my own words.
After discussing Dissociative Disorders, the diagnostic manual takes a new direction. It moves to a category of disorders known as somatic disorders.
The word "somatic" is related to the Greek word soma, which means "body." Somatic symptoms are physical symptoms. But why should clinical psychology be concerned with physical symptoms? Let me explain in my own words.
In previous posts, we saw that dissociation is often a consequence of a traumatic event. Traumas can lead to two other types of dissociative disorders:
Have you ever heard of multiple personalities? Those who enjoy thrillers (like the movie Split) may have come across this term. The technical name for this condition is Dissociative Identity Disorder.
After covering disorders related to traumatic and stressful events, the diagnostic manual (DSM-5) continues with Dissociative Disorders. In previous posts, I mentioned the term dissociation but never delved into it, so now is the right time to explain it in my own words.
The overview of disorders related to traumatic and stressful events concludes with Adjustment Disorder. But what does "adjustment" mean in this context? Let's try to understand it in my own words.
Following the discussion on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the DSM-5 diagnostic manual continues with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). This disorder shares similarities with PTSD, so I’ll explain it by drawing parallels between the two. Let’s explore, in my own words, the criteria for diagnosing Acute Stress Disorder.
After learning a bit about the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), let’s now look at it from a clinical perspective. Specifically, what are the conditions that allow PTSD to be diagnosed according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition)?
Among the disorders related to traumatic and stressful events, the most well-known is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to by its acronym PTSD. Before we delve into it from a clinical perspective, let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of PTSD.
The first two disorders within the category of trauma-related disorders pertain to attachment issues in childhood.
