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Somatoform and simulated disorders: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Somatization is a manifestation of mental phenomena through physical (somatic) symptoms. Usually these symptoms can not be explained by a physical illness. Disorders are characterized by somatization, manifested by a continuum from symptoms, developing unconsciously and involuntarily, to symptoms developing consciously and intentionally. This continuum includes somatoform disorders, simulated disorders and simulation. Somatization is fraught with a series of regular medical examinations and a constant search for treatment.
Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical symptoms or a feeling of defects in their appearance. The development of symptoms or sensations of defects occurs unconsciously and involuntarily. Symptoms or perceptions of defects can not be explained by the underlying underlying physical illness. Somatoform disorders cause distress and often disrupt social, professional and other functioning. These disorders include dysmorphic disorder, conversion disorder, hypochondria, pain disorder, somatization disorder, undifferentiated somatoform disorder and somatoform disorder, nowhere else classified.
Imitated disorders include deliberate and deliberate presentation of false symptoms in the absence of any external stimuli and specific life goals (for example, the time of completion of work) and this is different from aggravation. The patient receives a reward from taking the role of the patient by simulating, exaggerating or aggravating the signs and symptoms. Symptoms and symptoms may be mental, physical, or both. The most severe form is Munchausen's syndrome.
Aggravation is a repeated persistent presentation of false physical and mental symptoms, motivated by external factors (for example, a false illness to avoid work or service in the army, evade prosecution, get financial compensation or drugs for abuse). Aggravation can be suspected if the patient speaks of severe symptoms that are virtually not detected by objective observation, physical examination, or laboratory tests. Aggravation can also be suspected if the patient does not show cooperativeness in trying to diagnose or treat the potential cause of his symptoms.
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