Question 1

Marge has gone to doctors with more than twenty different somatic complaints in the past year and has had surgery four times.She has few anxiety or depressive symptoms, but doctors never satisfy her when they say, "There's nothing wrong with you physically." What is unusual about this patient?
A)People with complex somatic symptom disorders with somatization features (somatization disorders)rarely shop around for doctors.
B)People with complex somatic symptom disorders with somatization features (somatization disorders)usually show only one physical complaint.
C)Complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)often includes depression and anxiety.
D)Complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)affects mostly males.

Accepted Answer

People with complex somatic symptom disorders often experience anxiety and depression, which is unusual in Marge's case as she has few such symptoms.

Question 2

Sharon has caused diarrhea in her 3-year-old daughter by feeding her spoiled milk and rotten eggs.When the child is repeatedly hospitalized, Sharon acts like a very worried and caring mother.Since Sharon does not get to play the sick role and gets no obvious reward for her behavior, her appropriate diagnosis is ____.
A)complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)
B)factitious disorder
C)factitious disorder imposed on another
D)malingering

Accepted Answer

Sharon's behavior is consistent with Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy), where an individual intentionally causes harm or illness to another person, usually a child, in order to receive emotional gratification or attention from playing the role of a concerned caregiver. Sharon's motivation may not be apparent, but the fact that she intentionally gives spoiled food suggests that it is not simple negligence or ignorance.

Question 3

Complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)used to be called ____.
A)hysteria
B)drapetomania
C)psychosomatic disorder
D)bile disorder

Accepted Answer

"Hysteria" used to be the term used for what is now categorized as complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder). This term is no longer used as it is considered outdated and stigmatizing.

Question 4

Bethany has spent the past ten years in and out of hospitals.She suffers from numerous physical complaints including severe hip, joint, leg, and head pain, and frequent bouts of diarrhea and bloating, and often reports breathing problems.Although numerous doctors and extensive tests revealed no physical problems, Bethany still reports vague symptoms of physical problems.Bethany's problems would best fit a diagnosis of ____.
A)premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
B)complex somatic symptom disorder
C)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
D)body dysmorphic disorder

Accepted Answer

Bethany's symptoms fit the criteria for complex somatic symptom disorder, which is characterized by persistent physical complaints despite the absence of any detectable medical explanation.

Question 5

Monica complains of chest and head pains, amnesia, nausea, and sexual problems.She goes from doctor to doctor, but none can find a physical cause for her complaints.Stephen suddenly became blind one day shortly after his boss put him under great psychological stress.There is no physiological explanation for his blindness.Monica best illustrates ____, whereas Stephen best illustrates ____.
A)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder); factitious disorder
B)complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder); illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
C)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis); factitious disorder
D)complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder); functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)

Accepted Answer

Monica's symptoms of chest and head pains, amnesia, nausea, and sexual problems with no physical cause illustrate complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features, also known as somatization disorder. Stephen's sudden blindness with no physiological explanation illustrates functional neurological symptom disorder, also known as conversion disorder. Therefore, the best choice is D.

Question 6

Because glove anesthesia does not correspond to the distribution of nerve pathways in the body, it leads to a diagnosis of ____.
A)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)
B)body dysmorphic disorder
C)complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)
D)psychogenic pain

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of glove anesthesia, which involve numbness or tingling in the hand, do not correspond to the distribution of nerve pathways in the body. This is a hallmark of functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder), which involves physical symptoms that are not consistent with any known medical condition and are instead believed to be caused by psychological factors. Body dysmorphic disorder and complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder) also involve physical symptoms but are not specific to glove anesthesia. Psychogenic pain refers to pain that is caused by psychological rather than physical factors and may or may not involve numbness or tingling in the hands.

Question 7

Barbara was in a car accident and experienced neck pain immediately afterward.Doctors say that any injury to her neck healed within two weeks of the accident.Nine months later, Barbara begins to visit her doctor weekly, saying the pain is still unbearable and she needs stronger pain medication.What is a reasonable diagnosis?
A)complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)
B)depersonalization disorder
C)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
D)complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder)

Accepted Answer

Barbara's symptoms are consistent with complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder), as there is continued distress and impairment related to pain that is disproportionate to any medical findings. It is also worth noting that Barbara's symptoms first appeared immediately after the car accident, suggesting a traumatic etiology.

Question 8

Tulugaq, an Inuit, experiences dissociative-like episodes that are accompanied by extreme excitement.He often performs aggressive and dangerous acts, although he does not remember them.One of his recent episodes was followed by convulsions and he went into a coma for two days.Tulugaq suffers from ____.
A)zar
B)brain fag
C)pibloktoq
D)dhat

Accepted Answer

Tulugaq's symptoms, which include dissociative-like episodes, extreme excitement, aggressive behavior, and memory loss, are consistent with the Inuit culture-bound syndrome known as pibloktoq. Additionally, the convulsions and coma that followed one of his episodes suggest that he may be experiencing seizures as well. Zar is a culture-bound syndrome found in North Africa and the Middle East, characterized by possession by a spirit or demon. Brain fag is commonly found in West Africa and is characterized by physical and cognitive exhaustion due to academic and/or professional demands. Dhat is a culture-bound syndrome found in South Asia, where men believe that they are losing semen due to anxiety, leading to physical and psychological symptoms. None of these syndromes are consistent with Tulugaq's symptoms.

Question 9

"Persistent preoccupation with one's health despite consistent medical evaluations showing no organic problems" is a definition of ____.
A)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)
B)depersonalization disorder
C)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
D)body dysmorphic disorder

Accepted Answer

The definition given in the question is a classic symptom of illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondriasis). People with this disorder often worry excessively about their health and believe they have a serious medical condition despite consistent medical evaluations that show no physical cause for their symptoms.

Question 10

Amelia's parents were from India and continued to follow the traditions of that country.Her parents had selected her husband for her, and she was to be married in two weeks.One morning, however, Amelia woke up paralyzed, and she had no use of her legs.A thorough medical examination could find nothing physically wrong that would account for Amelia's paralysis.Amelia would most likely be diagnosed with ____.
A)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
B)factitious disorder
C)malingering
D)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)

Accepted Answer

Amelia's paralysis cannot be explained by any physical condition, suggesting the possibility of a functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder). Additionally, her cultural background may have contributed to her stress and emotional conflicts, which are often associated with this disorder. The other options do not fit the scenario as well. Illness anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite having minimal or no symptoms, factitious disorder involves deliberately producing or feigning symptoms for personal gain, and malingering involves faking or exaggerating symptoms for external incentives (such as avoiding work or obtaining financial benefits).

Question 11

Pain is to ____ as paralysis and absence of pain are to ____.
A)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder); complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder)
B)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder); illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
C)complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder); functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)
D)complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder); illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)

Accepted Answer

The first part of the statement relates to pain, which is a common feature in complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder). The second part refers to paralysis and absence of pain, which are characteristic of functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder). Therefore, the best choice is C. The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between pain and these two disorders.

Question 12

Paralysis, anesthesia, and impairment in sight or hearing are common complaints in ____.
A)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
B)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)
C)dissociative pain disorder
D)complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)

Accepted Answer

Functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder) is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms such as paralysis, anesthesia, or impairment in sight or hearing without a clear neurological or medical explanation. These symptoms are believed to be caused by psychological factors rather than physical causes. Illness anxiety disorder (A) involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, while dissociative pain disorder (C) is characterized by pain that is not fully explained by a medical condition. Complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (D) involves multiple physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation.

Question 13

Which of the following persons has symptoms that most likely indicate a possible functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)?
A)Joan, who says her legs have been paralyzed for six months but who shows no muscle atrophy
B)Keith, who goes from doctor to doctor complaining of pains and symptoms in many different parts of his body
C)Lilly, who constantly thinks about the size of her ears and wants plastic surgery to reconstruct them
D)Wes, who has had backaches that have gone on longer than his doctor thinks is reasonable

Accepted Answer

Joan's symptoms of paralysis without any muscle atrophy suggest a possible functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder), where there is a physical symptom without a clear medical explanation. Keith's complaints of multiple symptoms could be due to various medical conditions, and Lilly's concerns about her appearance fall under body dysmorphic disorder, a separate diagnosis. Wes's backaches could also have multiple medical explanations.

Question 14

Barbie has complained of an unexplained illness for several years.She has had many painful and high-risk surgeries and other treatments, which she has willingly undergone.In fact, she seems to enjoy playing the "sick role." She gets extremely angry when anyone questions whether she really has an actual physical problem.These symptoms suggest that Barbie suffers from ____.
A)malingering
B)complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)
C)factitious disorder
D)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)

Accepted Answer

Barbie's symptoms suggest that she may be suffering from factitious disorder, which is a condition in which a person feigns or induces illness in order to gain attention or sympathy. Her willingness to undergo high-risk surgeries and anger when questioned about her physical problems are typical of this disorder.

Question 15

Worldwide, the most common forms of complex somatic symptom disorder symptoms are ____.
A)gastrointestinal complaints and abnormal skin sensations
B)menstrual and abdominal pains
C)abdominal and chest pains
D)body odor and kidney weakness

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal complaints and abnormal skin sensations are the most common forms of complex somatic symptom disorder symptoms worldwide.

Question 16

Suppose you are the director of a mental health clinic in a neighborhood where many immigrants from India, China, and Korea live.You could expect that clients coming from these Asian backgrounds would ____.
A)feel that anyone with a somatic symptom disorder is morally weak
B)have almost no somatic symptom disorders
C)believe that any somatic complaints they have come from emotional stress
D)believe that physical problems produce emotional problems

Accepted Answer

Different cultures have differing views on the relationship between physical and mental health. In Asian cultures, there is often a belief that physical problems can cause emotional problems, which is in line with option D. This can impact how clients from these backgrounds present and perceive treatment for mental health issues. It is important for mental health professionals working with these populations to be aware of the cultural nuances that may impact their approach to treatment. Option A is not accurate as it presents a stereotype about clients from these backgrounds. Option B is unlikely as somatic symptoms are experienced by individuals from all cultural backgrounds. Option C is partially accurate but does not encompass the entire viewpoint on somatic symptoms within these cultures.

Question 17

Yassir has been under great stress at work.He tells his doctor that he cannot feel his hand from his wrist to his fingertips.He says it is as though all the feeling in the nerves was cut off at the wrist.The doctor, knowing how nerves are distributed, will probably see Yassir as having ____.
A)complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder)
B)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)
C)factitious disorder imposed on another
D)illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)

Accepted Answer

Yassir's symptoms of loss of feeling in his hand from his wrist to his fingertips do not fit the criteria for complex somatic symptom disorder, factitious disorder imposed on another, or illness anxiety disorder. However, they do fit the criteria for functional neurological symptom disorder (also known as conversion disorder) which involves the presence of neurological symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition and are thought to be related to psychological factors such as stress.

Question 18

Which of the following symptoms is necessary for a diagnosis of complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder)?
A)difficulty controlling worrisome thoughts
B)a neurological symptom
C)multiple physical complaints
D)depression

Accepted Answer

Complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder) requires the presence of multiple physical complaints. Difficulty controlling worrisome thoughts, depression, or a neurological symptom are not necessarily required for this diagnosis.

Question 19

Which statement about complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder)is accurate?
A)It is a form of dissociative disorder.
B)It is rarely associated with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders.
C)It is relatively rare, having a prevalence of 2 percent for women and 0.2 percent for men.
D)It is more prevalent among educated individuals than among uneducated ones.

Accepted Answer

Complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features, previously known as somatization disorder, is relatively rare, with a prevalence of 2% for women and 0.2% for men.

Note: None of the other statements are accurate. Complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features is not a form of dissociative disorder and is commonly associated with anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. There is also no evidence to support the claim that it is more prevalent among educated individuals.

Question 20

As Will approached the witness stand, he stopped and clutched his throat.He had to leave the courtroom because he was unable to speak.If he had no other symptoms, his condition might be diagnosed as ____.
A)panic disorder
B)factitious disorder
C)agoraphobia
D)functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)

Accepted Answer

Will's inability to speak suggests a neurological symptom, but with no apparent physical cause. This fits the criteria for conversion disorder, a condition in which psychological distress is converted into physical symptoms. Panic disorder, factitious disorder, and agoraphobia are less likely diagnoses in this case as they do not present with the specific symptom of sudden onset of speech difficulties.

Quiz 7: Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders

Marge has gone to doctors with more than twenty different somatic complaints in the past year and has had surgery four times.She has few anxiety or depressive symptoms, but doctors never satisfy her when they say, "There's nothing wrong with you physically." What is unusual about this patient?

Complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder) used to be called ____.

Because glove anesthesia does not correspond to the distribution of nerve pathways in the body, it leads to a diagnosis of ____.

"Persistent preoccupation with one's health despite consistent medical evaluations showing no organic problems" is a definition of ____.

Pain is to as paralysis and absence of pain are to .

Paralysis, anesthesia, and impairment in sight or hearing are common complaints in ____.

Which of the following persons has symptoms that most likely indicate a possible functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder) ?

Worldwide, the most common forms of complex somatic symptom disorder symptoms are ____.

Suppose you are the director of a mental health clinic in a neighborhood where many immigrants from India, China, and Korea live.You could expect that clients coming from these Asian backgrounds would ____.

Yassir has been under great stress at work.He tells his doctor that he cannot feel his hand from his wrist to his fingertips.He says it is as though all the feeling in the nerves was cut off at the wrist.The doctor, knowing how nerves are distributed, will probably see Yassir as having ____.

Which of the following symptoms is necessary for a diagnosis of complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder) ?

Which statement about complex somatic symptom disorder with somatization features (somatization disorder) is accurate?

As Will approached the witness stand, he stopped and clutched his throat.He had to leave the courtroom because he was unable to speak.If he had no other symptoms, his condition might be diagnosed as ____.