Question

Write a short description of a person suffering from this disorder but do not name this disorder. Be creative! It’s up to your classmates to correctly identify the disorder when they reply and to ask a follow up question that will give them more information to correctly diagnose the disorder. See the following for an example.

Dr. Holleran may write:

Jamie suffers feels anxious when she is in certain situations. She feels likes she can't breath and her heart races very fast. In fact, she feels like she may faint when she is in this situation. She flew on an airplane one time across the country and experienced a great deal of turbulence during her flight. She now refuses to see her grandmother who lives in Hawaii.

A student may write:

I think Jamie has a phobia of flying. How might a psychologist treat this? Maybe they would use a type of exposure therapy?

Dr. Holleran would reply:

You are correct! A psychologist could gradually expose Jamie to flying on an airplane to help cure her of the phobia. Maybe they could start by driving to the airport. Then they would eventually go into the airport and make it to the gate. Then, they could step into the airplane. Eventually she might be able to ride in an airplane. Can anyone else think of another way to treat her disorder?

Answer 1

Writing of Dr. Karan :--- It is a rare disorder, but it is time-consuming and impatient for medical personnel. The person, usually a woman, has a long, complicated medical history and series of dramatic but vague physical symptoms which "demand the doctor's immediate attention." The complaints usually involved a combination of gastrointestinal, gynaecological, and sensory-motor symptoms, coupled with "aches and pains." The personalities and lives of people with this disorder are typically dramatic and chaotic.

Writing by student :--- It is clear that women suffer from Somatization Disorder. How might a psychologist treat this? Maybe they would use a type Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy?

Writing of Dr. Karan :--- Yes! A psychologist could gradually engage the women in talk therapy, it can be helpful for somatic symptom disorder. Sometimes medications may be added, especially if you're struggling with feeling depressed. Specifically, following therapy — can help improve physical symptoms.   

• CBT can help you:

Examine and adapt your beliefs and expectations about health and physical symptoms, learn how to reduce stress, learn how to cope with physical symptoms, reduce avoidance of situations and activities due to uncomfortable physical sensations, Improve daily functioning at home, at work, in relationships and in social situations

• Family therapy

It may also be helpful by examining family relationships and improving family support and functioning.   

• Medications

Antidepressant medication can help reduce symptoms associated with depression and pain that often occur with somatic symptom disorder.

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