The spouse of a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) asks the nurse, "What causes this condition?" Which response by the nurse would be most accurate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Somatic symptom disorder has been explained as a form of social or emotional communication, meaning that the body symptoms express an emotion that cannot be verbalized by the individual. Although there is some evidence to support a genetic component, the exact transmission mechanism is unclear. In individuals with this disorder, chronic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis indicates a hyperarousal condition from chronic stress. Additionally, the personality trait alexithymia is associated with somatic symptoms. These individuals have difficulty identifying and expressing their emotions, have a preoccupation with external events, and are described as concrete thinkers.

The Spouse of a Client Diagnosed with Somatic Symptom Disorder