Psychology 3310F/G Lecture : Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 3310F/G
• Professor: Peter Hoaken

Document Summary

Common feature of somatoform disorders: the presence of physical symptoms that suggest a general medical condition. 1) four pain symptoms (head, abdomen, back joings pain during sex) 2) 2 gastrointestinal symptoms y nausea bloating vomiting diarrhea. 4) one pseudoneurological symptom y coordination, balance, blindness, paralysis: either 1 or 2. Culture and gender factors: the type and frequency of complaints differ across cultures, occurs only rarely in men; mostly affects unmarried, low ses women. 2-2% of women less then . 2% of men. but these are north american statistics vary enormously. Neurologically based disinhibition, weak behavioural inhibition system; relationship with antisocial personality disorder: apd early onset, chronic course, characterized by impulsivity, aggression. Somatization early onset, chronic course, characterized by impulsivity, dependence. Course: chronic, fluctuating course that rarely remits completely, diagnostic criteria usually met before the age of 25.