Somatoform Disorder Response

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1. Describe what somatic symptom diagnosis you would consider giving to Richard. If you need more information to be sure of a diagnostic choice, list the additional questions you would ask.

To recap the scenario in Richard's vignette, Richard is a 47-year-old man who presents in therapy with a variety of physical complaints that include: (a) joint pain, (b) weakness in his fingers, (c) dizziness, (d) constipation and (e) headaches. He has a medical diagnosis of ulcers, and a previous diagnosis of anemia However, there is no evidence of a general medical condition, or illness that would account for his symptoms over the years. It is reported that he does neither drinks, nor uses substances; and is currently taking any medications. Yet, Richard worries that he may have AIDS, hepatitis, or some other serious, Because of his anxiety and depression, he has become social isolation, and his condition has been complicated by his firing, and subsequent unemployment.

*Somatoform Disorders

One common feature of Somatoform Disorder is the presence of physical symptoms that suggest a general medical condition; and are not fully explained by a medical condition, by the direct effects of a substance, or by another mental disorder. Symptoms must cause clinical distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. However, to make a diagnosis for history more important information may be needed such as his medical and family history and background. For instance, you might ask: (1) How long has he had the symptoms, or (2) when did he first notice the symptoms. Other questions could include the status of his family life marital satisfaction (If married); experiences on the job, and medical information including (surgeries, illness, disease, etc.). Up to this point, besides his ulcer and past history of amnesia, no general medical condition has been noted for Richard. If he continues to complain of persistent pain further disrupting his life, psychological evaluations may be in order to determine if any psychological disorders exist. His family history could provide psychologists with other information that could have an impact on his condition such as environmental and personal lifestyle that could influence a diagnosis. Thus, given the information in the diagnosis, an initial diagnosis for Richard would suggest a condition ...