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Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain

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Somatic Symptom Disorder.

Stuart L Kurlansik¹, Mario S Maffei¹

¹Virtua Family Medicine Residency Program, Voorhees, NJ, USA.

American Family Physician

|January 14, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Somatic symptom disorder, previously somatoform disorders, requires careful diagnosis in primary care. Early identification and a strong doctor-patient relationship are key to effective management and treatment.

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Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Primary Care Medicine
Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5) revised the somatoform disorders category to somatic symptom and related disorders.
This revision aimed to improve the diagnosis and management of these disorders in primary care settings.
Patients often present with physical symptoms attributed to nonpsychiatric causes, leading to potential misdiagnosis and unnecessary medical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder in primary care.
To outline effective strategies for primary care physicians in managing patients with somatic symptom disorder.
To review current evidence-based treatments for somatic symptom disorder.

Main Methods:

Review of diagnostic criteria changes in DSM-5.
Discussion of clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges in primary care.
Synthesis of recommended management approaches and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by significant distress and impairment related to physical symptoms.
Screening instruments can aid in the identification of somatic symptom disorder.
Effective primary care management involves regular appointments, therapeutic alliance, symptom validation, and judicious use of testing.

Conclusions:

Accurate diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder is crucial in primary care to avoid unnecessary testing and procedures.
A patient-centered approach, including a strong therapeutic alliance and symptom validation, is essential.
Evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and pharmacotherapy are effective, with referral to mental health professionals considered when necessary.