Personality Disorders and Other Clinical Conditions

Personality Disorders and Other Clinical Conditions
What diagnoses are categorized as somatoform disorders?
The following seven diagnoses are offered in DSM-IV under the category of somatoform disorders:
  • Somatization disorder (also known as Briquet syndrome).
  • Conversion disorder.
  • Hypochondriasis.
  • Pain disorder.
  • Body dysmorphic disorder.
  • Undifferentiated somatoform disorder.
  • Somatoform disorder not otherwise specified.
What is conversion disorder?
Conversion disorder consists of neurologic symptoms that cannot be explained by a known medical disorder. The symptoms are not intentionally produced, and not limited to pain or sexual dysfunction. Psychological factors are judged to be associated with the symptoms.
What are the differential diagnosis for conversion disorder?
If non-neurologic symptoms are present, somatization disorder should be considered the proper diagnosis.
If symptoms are intentionally produced, factitious disorder or malingering should be considered.
If only pain or sexual dysfunction is present, pain or sexual disorders should be considered.
What medical conditions have presentations similar to that of somatization disorder?
Many medical conditions have presentations similar to that of somatization disorder. Common ones include:
Multiple sclerosis.
Acute intermittent porphyria.
Systemic lupus erythematosus.
Fibromyositis.
Endocrine disorders.
Chronic infections.
What is the most common electrolyte imbalance seen in eating disorders?
Hypokalemia.
When cardiac disturbance (anxiety, palpitation) are suspected, check the patient’s serum potassium concentration.
What are the major complications of anorexia nervosa?
General: Cachexia, edema, lanugo, electrolyte imbalance, decreased body temperature.
Mental: Depression.
Cardiac: Loss of cardiac muscle, change in heart rate.
Gastrointestinal: Digestive dysfunction.
Sexual: Amenorrhea.
Hematologic: Leukopenia.
Musculoskeletal: Osteoporosis, dental erosion.
What would the laboratory workup show in an adolescent girl with anorexia nervosa?
Low hematocrit, high cortisol, and high blood urea nitrogen concentration.
In comparison to patients with anorexia nervosa, what is characteristic in patients with involuntary starvation?
A reduced activity level.
Patients with eating disorders usually have an increased activity level.
What pharmacologic treatment is used for eating disorders?
Antidepressants, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being the agents of first choice.

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Sep 12, 2016 | Posted by in PSYCHIATRY | Comments Off on Personality Disorders and Other Clinical Conditions

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