Psychosomatic Disorders

Disorders characterized by somatic

complaints for which no organic cause
could be demonstrated
Usually result from emotional factors
Psychosomatic Disorders
Characteristics:
1. Involve the organ system innervate by
the autonomic nervous system
2. Physiologic changes accompany
emotional responses that are intense
3. Symptoms are physiological rather than
symbolic, the emotions beings expressed
through the viscera
4. 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 undergo
unnecessary procedures
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 theory-
neurotransmitter 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
1. Mainstay treatment is a long term
relationship with a health care
provider to prevent the patient from
seeking multiple providers with
multiple recommendations
2. Assist in psychotherapy as part of
the treatment plan
3. Family Education