Behavioral Science

120 Deja Review: Behavioral Science
Do patients with conversion disorder
intentionally derive any gain from
their symptoms?
What is the prognosis and duration
of symptoms seen in conversion
disorders?
What is the treatment for conversion
disorders?
No
Symptoms typically remit within 2 weeks,
with favorable prognosis seen in paralysis
and blindness, and a poor prognosis
associated with seizures.
Reassurance that the symptoms will
improve usually results in resolution of
the symptoms (self-limiting), however,
conversion disorder often reoccurs later.
Psychotherapy can be helpful.
HYPOCHONDRIASIS
What is the main characteristic
of hypochondriasis?
Are there true physical symptoms
seen in this disorder?
What are the most common presenting
symptoms seen in hypochondriasis?
Is there a gender predominance seen
in hypochondriasis?
What are common associations with
the development of hypochondriasis?
What are common behaviors seen
in these patients?
Preoccupation with having a serious
disease, despite medical reassurance
of health status
Yes, however, the symptoms are
misinterpreted by the patient as being
of a greater significance.
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Palpitations
No, men and women are equally
affected.
Often the person has experienced
serious illness in childhood or knows
someone who has died or suffered
through a serious medical condition.
Doctor shopping is common, as these
patients are resistant to suggestions that
there is no significant medical etiology
to their symptoms.
What is the prevalence of 1% to 5%
hypochondriasis?
What is the treatment for
hypochondriasis?
Group therapy and frequent reassurance
with regular but brief visits to primary
care physician