Somatic Symptom & Dissociative Disorders Explained — Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | Chapter 5 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology

Chapter 5 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology delves into disorders that blur the line between mind and body—somatic symptom disorders—and those that fracture identity and memory—dissociative disorders. We’ll define each disorder, explore their underlying mechanisms, and review evidence-based treatments to help you master these concepts for exams and clinical practice.

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Somatic Symptom & Related Disorders

Somatic symptom disorders involve excessive focus on physical symptoms without clear medical cause. Key disorders include:

• Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD): Persistent distress about physical symptoms. Treatment: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce health anxiety and develop coping strategies.
• Illness Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear of serious illness despite minimal symptoms. Treatment: CBT, exposure therapy to health cues, and structured reassurance.
• Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder): Neurological-like symptoms (e.g., paralysis) without physiological basis. Treatment: Stress reduction, psychotherapy, and graded exposure.
• Factitious Disorder: Faking illness for attention alone. Treatment: Psychotherapy focused on underlying emotional needs; careful management to avoid reinforcement.

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders feature disruptions in memory, identity, or consciousness, often linked to trauma:

• Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: Persistent feelings of detachment from self or surroundings. Treatment: CBT and mindfulness to ground awareness.
• Dissociative Amnesia: Inability to recall personal information, usually trauma-related. Treatment: Trauma-focused therapy, hypnosis, and memory retrieval techniques.
• Dissociative Fugue: Sudden travel or identity change with amnesia. Recovery often spontaneous; therapy focuses on reintegration.
• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Two or more distinct identities (“alters”) linked to severe early trauma. Treatment: Long-term psychotherapy, trauma integration, and stabilization strategies.

Treatment Approaches & Best Practices

Effective interventions integrate mind–body techniques:

• CBT: Core for both somatic and dissociative disorders to reframe thoughts and behaviors.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual confrontation of feared symptoms or memories.
• Psychotherapy: Trauma-informed care, stabilization, and integration for dissociative disorders.
• Habit Reversal Training: Targets compulsive behaviors in factitious and body-focused disorders.
• Mindfulness & Stress Reduction: Reduces physiological arousal and improves emotion regulation.

Conclusion: Integrating Mind and Body in Treatment

Chapter 5 highlights how distorted perceptions—whether of the body or self—require tailored, evidence-based treatments. By combining cognitive, behavioral, and trauma-focused approaches, clinicians can address both the physical and psychological roots of these disorders. Master these frameworks to excel in exams and inform compassionate clinical practice.

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