PSYCH 2AP3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Somatic Symptom Disorder, Factitious Disorder, Conversion Disorder
1 Dec 2017
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Not experiencing the symptoms they pretend to be experiencing. One or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function. Symptom incompatible w/ recognized neurological or medical condition. Symptoms not better explained by another medical or mental condition. Symptoms causes clinically significant distress or impairment, or warrants medical evaluation. Part of their brain knows what"s going on. Present something, give them four alternatives make them guess, 40% right. People w/ conversion disorder don"t show the same level of concern as most upon waking up blind, paralyzed, etc. Ford (1983) estimates 20-25% of general medical patients meet criteria. Dsm-5 estimates 5% of neurology referrals meet the criteria. Prototype = female under 45 from rural or culturally in sophisticated background. Secondary gain: symptoms are maintained b/c they get care/reward due to their symptoms; primary gain: psychological issues individual is dealing w/ through their symptoms. Increased use of somatic complaints to meet needs. Punishment of verbal expression of emotion leaves no options.
