Somatic Symptom Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is a protective factor against developing a somatic symptom disorder?

Accepted Answer

Resilience

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Positive family history

Question 2

Which of the following is a type of somatic symptom disorder, besides hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Accepted Answer

Conversion disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Answer

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Question 3

How do sociocultural factors influence the development and presentation of somatic symptom disorders? Provide specific examples from different cultures.

Accepted Answer

In some cultures, somatic symptoms are seen as a sign of weakness or moral failing, leading to shame and stigma.

Answer

Sociocultural factors do not affect somatic symptom disorders.

Answer

The prevalence of somatic symptom disorders is consistent across all cultures.

Question 4

Examine the effectiveness of self-help strategies and support groups for individuals with somatic symptom disorders, considering their potential advantages and drawbacks.

Accepted Answer

Self-help strategies and support groups can be beneficial for individuals with somatic symptom disorders, but they also have potential limitations.

Answer

Self-help strategies can be as effective as support groups in alleviating symptoms.

Answer

Support groups can be more effective than self-help strategies in enhancing quality of life.

Answer

Self-help strategies and support groups are equally effective for all individuals with somatic symptom disorders.

Question 5

Explain how the diagnostic criteria for somatic symptom disorder have changed over time, and discuss the reasons behind these changes.

Accepted Answer

Criteria have evolved based on research, clinical experience, and understanding of the disorder's mechanisms.

Answer

The criteria have remained largely unchanged since the disorder's inclusion in the DSM.

Answer

Changes have been driven by the increasing prevalence of somatic symptom disorders.

Answer

Criteria have become more restrictive due to skepticism about patients' physical symptoms.

Question 6

In diagnosing somatic symptom disorders, why is it crucial to consider both medical and psychological factors?

Accepted Answer

Both medical and psychological factors should be considered, as they can interact to cause and maintain somatic symptom disorders.

Answer

Medical factors alone should be considered, as psychological factors are irrelevant.

Answer

Psychological factors alone should be considered, as medical conditions rarely cause somatic symptoms.

Question 7

Somatic symptom disorders arise from a complex interplay of factors. Which of the following statements best reflects this understanding?

Accepted Answer

Somatic symptom disorders result from a dynamic interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Answer

Biological factors alone determine the development of somatic symptom disorders.

Answer

Psychological factors are the sole cause of somatic symptom disorders.

Answer

Sociocultural factors have no bearing on the etiology of somatic symptom disorders.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT considered a typical symptom of conversion disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent headaches, dizziness, or other physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition

Answer

Loss of sensory or motor function, such as vision, hearing, or movement

Answer

Paralysis or weakness in a part of the body

Answer

Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

Question 9

Which type of medication is frequently used as part of the treatment plan for somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics, which are primarily used to treat psychotic disorders

Answer

Benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders

Answer

Opioids, which are typically used to manage severe pain

Question 10

Conversion disorder, a type of somatization disorder, is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A combination of the above

Answer

Psychological stress converted into physical symptoms

Answer

Physical symptoms that mimic a neurological or medical condition

Answer

Excessive worry about physical health

Question 11

Which of the following is a first-line treatment for conversion disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 12

How do cultural beliefs, norms, and healthcare practices influence the manifestation and expression of somatic symptom disorders across diverse cultural contexts?

Accepted Answer

Culture influences how individuals perceive and express their physical experiences.

Answer

Cultural factors have a negligible impact on somatic symptom disorders.

Answer

The presentation of somatic symptoms is consistent across all cultures.

Answer

Healthcare practices have no bearing on the expression of somatic symptoms.

Question 13

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about having a serious medical condition, despite medical evaluations that rule out physical causes

Answer

Preoccupation with a perceived physical flaw, despite reassurance from others and medical professionals

Answer

Conversion of psychological stress into unexplained physical symptoms

Answer

Severe pain that cannot be explained by medical tests

Question 14

Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

An exaggerated belief that a physical flaw is severe, despite evidence to the contrary

Answer

Excessive worry about having a serious illness without any medical evidence

Answer

Conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms

Answer

Unexplained and severe pain that interferes with daily activities

Question 15

Conversion disorder is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms such as blindness or paralysis

Answer

Excessive worry about having a serious illness with no medical basis

Answer

Preoccupation with physical appearance and a belief that it is seriously flawed

Answer

Unexplained and severe pain that cannot be attributed to a physical cause

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a common evidence-based treatment approach for somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Exposure and response prevention

Answer

Medications such as antidepressants

Question 17

Individuals with conversion disorder may experience:

Accepted Answer

Paralysis or blindness with no apparent physical cause

Answer

Excessive worry about having a serious illness

Answer

Preoccupation with their physical appearance

Answer

Severe pain that cannot be explained by medical tests

Question 18

What is believed to be the underlying mechanism in conversion disorder?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms

Answer

Exaggerated perception of physical sensations

Answer

Fear of a specific illness or bodily function

Answer

Genetic predisposition to somatic symptoms

Question 19

Hypochondriasis involves:

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance

Answer

Pathological preoccupation with minor physical flaws

Answer

Conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms

Answer

Uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts or behaviors related to a specific fear

Question 20

Body dysmorphic disorder shares similarities with which of the following in terms of its core psychopathology?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Question 21

Which of the following is a core diagnostic criterion for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent preoccupation with a perceived defect in appearance that is not observable or appears slight to others.

Answer

Excessive hand washing or showering due to a fear of contamination.

Answer

Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.

Answer

Somatic complaints accompanied by a persistent belief that one has a serious illness.

Question 22

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Constant worry about having a serious illness

Answer

Frequent anxiety and panic attacks

Answer

Unexplained physical symptoms

Question 23

What is the primary diagnostic criterion for hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance

Answer

Excessive focus on a specific physical symptom

Answer

Significant weight loss or gain

Question 24

Which symptom is unique to body dysmorphic disorder, setting it apart from other somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Obsession with perceived physical flaws or defects

Answer

Excessive concern about developing a serious illness

Answer

Physical symptoms mimicking a neurological condition

Answer

Persistent pain or discomfort with no apparent medical cause

Question 25

What is the primary diagnostic criterion for hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance

Answer

Frequent doctor visits for minor health concerns

Answer

Unexplained physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment

Answer

Belief that a minor symptom indicates a life-threatening condition

Question 26

Which of the following is a core symptom of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about having a serious illness

Answer

Preoccupation with physical appearance

Answer

Unexplained physical symptoms without a medical cause

Answer

Belief that one's body is deformed or flawed

Question 27

What is the primary diagnostic criterion for body dysmorphic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one's appearance

Answer

Excessive fear of social situations due to perceived flaws

Answer

Repetitive behaviors focused on improving appearance

Answer

Significant distress or impairment in daily functioning

Question 28

What is the recommended primary approach for treating somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Combined medication and psychotherapy

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Psychotherapy alone

Answer

Hospitalization

Question 29

What is a defining characteristic of conversion disorder?

Accepted Answer

Development of physical symptoms without an underlying medical cause

Answer

Persistent preoccupation with physical symptoms

Answer

Excessive worry about bodily sensations

Answer

Belief that physical symptoms are caused by a psychological conflict

Question 30

A patient with conversion disorder may experience:

Accepted Answer

Physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition

Answer

Excessive anxiety and avoidance of specific situations

Answer

Distorted body image and a desire for cosmetic surgery

Answer

Difficulty concentrating and memory problems

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing body dysmorphic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Normal aging

Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

History of trauma or abuse

Answer

Genetics

Question 32

La belle indifférence refers to:

Accepted Answer

A lack of emotional concern about physical symptoms in conversion disorder

Answer

Excessive anxiety and worry in hypochondriasis

Answer

Preoccupation with physical appearance in body dysmorphic disorder

Answer

Difficulty regulating emotions in somatic symptom disorders

Question 33

Which of the following is the primary symptom of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and unrealistic beliefs about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance

Answer

Frequent headaches and stomachaches with no identifiable physical cause

Answer

Extreme anxiety about contracting a new illness or disease

Answer

Excessive grooming and body-checking behaviors

Question 34

Body dysmorphic disorder is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Preoccupation with a perceived physical defect that is not apparent to others

Answer

Intense avoidance of social situations due to fear of being judged

Answer

Frequent requests for cosmetic surgery to correct perceived flaws

Answer

Repeated medical consultations despite being reassured that there is no physical basis for their concerns

Question 35

Which type of therapy is commonly used to treat hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Art Therapy

Question 36

A patient with conversion disorder may exhibit:

Accepted Answer

Any of the above

Answer

Paralysis of one or more limbs

Answer

Blindness or blurred vision

Answer

Difficulty speaking or swallowing

Question 37

Which factor is NOT considered key in the differential diagnosis of somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Patient's age

Answer

Medical conditions

Answer

Psychiatric disorders

Answer

Substance use disorders

Question 38

Which of the following is a main symptom of hypochondriasis, a somatic symptom disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance

Answer

Preoccupation with a specific body part

Answer

Physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition

Answer

Intense fear of pain or injury

Question 39

In body dysmorphic disorder, individuals:

Accepted Answer

Experience all of the above symptoms

Answer

Are persistently dissatisfied with their appearance

Answer

Exhibit excessive body monitoring behaviors

Answer

Are preoccupied with a perceived flaw in their appearance

Question 40

Which of the following is not a typical symptom of conversion disorder?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Paralysis

Answer

Blindness

Answer

Deafness

Question 41

The etiology of somatic symptom disorders is believed to involve:

Accepted Answer

An interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors alone

Answer

Psychological factors alone

Answer

Unknown causes

Question 42

Which of the following is a risk factor for developing somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Both of the above

Answer

History of trauma or abuse

Answer

Chronic medical conditions

Answer

Neither of the above

Question 43

Which of the following is not a diagnostic criterion for body dysmorphic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Accurate recognition of the excessive nature of the concerns

Answer

Excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance

Answer

Repetitive behaviors related to the perceived flaw

Answer

Significant distress or impairment in functioning

Question 44

A commonly used treatment approach for conversion disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 45

Regarding the prognosis of somatic symptom disorders, it is generally true that:

Accepted Answer

Prognosis varies depending on the specific type of disorder.

Answer

Most individuals experience complete recovery.

Answer

Long-term outcomes are typically poor.

Answer

There is limited research on the long-term course of somatic symptom disorders.

Question 46

Evaluate the reliability and validity of self-report measures used to assess somatic symptoms. Consider potential biases that may arise when using these measures.

Accepted Answer

Self-report measures are generally valid, but biases such as social desirability or symptom exaggeration may affect their accuracy.

Answer

Self-report measures are highly reliable and unbiased, providing accurate assessments of somatic symptoms.

Answer

Self-report measures are unreliable and biased, making them unsuitable for assessing somatic symptoms.

Answer

Self-report measures are reliable but lack validity, as they often fail to accurately capture the severity of somatic symptoms.

Question 47

Which of the following is a hallmark characteristic of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and unwarranted worry about having a serious illness despite medical evaluation

Answer

Persistent and intense preoccupation with a perceived physical defect

Answer

Involuntary physical symptoms that lack a medical explanation

Answer

Intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety and distress

Question 48

What is the defining feature of conversion disorder?

Accepted Answer

Physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition and appear to be linked to psychological factors

Answer

Intense and enduring fear of a specific object or situation leading to avoidance behaviors

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry about a variety of topics

Answer

Sudden and temporary loss of consciousness that is not caused by epilepsy or other medical conditions

Question 49

Which type of therapy is commonly employed in the treatment of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Interpersonal therapy

Question 50

Anxiety disorders are a common comorbid condition associated with which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Body dysmorphic disorder

Answer

Depression

Answer

Eating disorders

Answer

Substance use disorders

Question 51

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Intense and persistent fear of having a severe illness despite medical reassurance

Answer

Belief that one has a physical deformity

Answer

Preoccupation with minor physical symptoms

Answer

Conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms

Question 52

Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Persistent belief that one has a physical defect or flaw, causing significant distress or impairment

Answer

Conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms

Answer

Excessive fear of contamination

Question 53

What is the primary treatment approach recommended for individuals with somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Surgery

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Question 54

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for developing a somatic symptom disorder?

Accepted Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Childhood trauma or abuse

Answer

Family history of mental illness

Answer

Chronic pain or medical conditions

Question 55

What is the key distinction between hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Hypochondriasis involves an excessive fear of having a serious illness, while body dysmorphic disorder involves a preoccupation with perceived physical flaws.

Answer

Hypochondriasis involves excessive worry about minor aches and pains, while body dysmorphic disorder involves a belief that one has a physical deformity.

Question 56

What is the typical prognosis for individuals with somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Variable and often chronic, with fluctuating symptom severity

Answer

Unknown, as there is limited research on the long-term outcomes

Answer

Poor, with most individuals experiencing significant disability

Answer

Excellent, with most individuals fully recovering

Question 57

Which of the following is a key characteristic of hypochondriasis?

Accepted Answer

Excessive preoccupation with the belief of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance to the contrary

Answer

Intense fear of losing control over bodily functions

Answer

Presence of multiple, unexplained physical symptoms

Question 58

In body dysmorphic disorder, individuals are excessively preoccupied with:

Accepted Answer

A perceived defect or flaw in their physical appearance, which may or may not be visible to others

Answer

Gaining excessive weight or becoming underweight

Answer

Experiencing severe anxiety in social situations

Question 59

According to the DSM-5, somatic symptom disorders are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Persistent physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition, are accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms, and result in significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Answer

Physical symptoms alone, regardless of the psychological distress they cause

Question 60

Cognitive behavioral therapy for somatic symptom disorders typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about illness and the body, as well as developing coping mechanisms for managing physical symptoms

Answer

Providing emotional support and validation

Answer

Prescribing medications to alleviate physical symptoms

Question 61

Individuals with conversion disorders often experience:

Accepted Answer

Physical symptoms that mimic neurological or medical conditions, but are not attributable to any known organic cause

Answer

Intense fears of specific objects or situations

Answer

Repetitive thoughts and behaviors

Question 62

Which of the following is the primary goal of treatment for body dysmorphic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Improving self-image, reducing body dissatisfaction, and challenging negative beliefs about appearance

Answer

Eliminating physical symptoms

Answer

Preventing relapse

Question 63

Somatic symptom disorders differ from malingering in that:

Accepted Answer

In somatic symptom disorders, individuals genuinely believe they are experiencing physical symptoms, while in malingering, individuals intentionally fake or exaggerate symptoms for external gain.

Answer

Malingering is more common among men than women, while somatic symptom disorders affect both genders equally.

Question 64

What is the defining characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one's physical appearance.

Answer

Intense fear of gaining weight.

Answer

Preoccupation with thoughts of having a serious illness.