Psychosomatic Disorders

• Disorders characterized by somatic

complaints for which no organic
cause could be demonstrated
• Usually result from emotional factors
Psychosomatic Disorders
Characteristics:
2. Involve the organ system innervate
by the autonomic nervous system
3. Physiologic changes accompany
emotional responses that are
intense
4. Symptoms are physiological rather
than symbolic, the emotions beings
expressed through the viscera
5. 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
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
2. Mainstay treatment is a long
term relationship with a health
care provider to prevent the
patient from seeking multiple
providers with multiple
recommendations
3. Assist in psychotherapy as part
of the treatment plan