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.
The diagnostic manual (DSM-5) characterizes Somatic Symptom Disorder by:
- Physical symptoms that cause significant distress.
- Excessive thoughts about the severity of symptoms and/or high anxiety levels about one’s health, and/or excessive time devoted to analyzing the symptoms.
- The condition lasts at least six months.
The DSM-5 defines Illness Anxiety Disorder by:
- Persistent worry about having a serious illness.
- Symptoms justifying this worry are either absent or very mild.
- High levels of anxiety regarding personal health.
- A constant focus on health concerns, or a complete avoidance of health matters.
- The condition lasts at least six months.
- Symptoms can’t be explained by a better-fitting diagnosis.
Finally, Conversion Disorder (according to DSM-5) is characterized by:
- The presence of motor or sensory symptoms.
- Symptoms that cannot be explained by current medical knowledge.
- No alternative diagnosis that better explains the symptoms.
- Significant distress caused by the condition.
Sources:
- American Psychiatric Association (2013) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
- Bernhill, J. W. (2014) - DSM-5 Clinical Cases.
If you’d like me to explain another psychology topic in my own words, feel free to leave a comment!
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