Ralph has an ulcer in his stomach. More often than not, the stress related to his job as an executive gets so bad that his ulcer flares up. Which of the following best describes his condition?
A) Psychological factors affecting a medical condition
B) Somatic symptom disorder
C) Factitious disorder
D) Illness anxiety disorder

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ralph's stomach ulcer is a physical medical condition, but it is being exacerbated by psychological factors - namely, the stress related to his job. This is an example of psychological factors affecting a medical condition. Somatic symptom disorder involves experiencing physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition, factitious disorder involves intentionally faking or inducing physical symptoms for attention, and illness anxiety disorder involves excessive worry or fear about having a serious illness despite no or minimal symptoms.

Ralph Has an Ulcer in His Stomach