Psychosocial factors- factors that are either psychological or sociocultural- may contribute to somatic, or bodily, illnesses in a variety of ways
Rene Descartes went so far as to claim that the mind, or soul, is separate from the body- a position called mind-body dualism
Not until the 20th century were medical scientists persuaded that psychosocial factors such as stress, worry, and unconscious needs can contribute in major ways to physical illness
Factitious disorder and somatoform disorder are believed to be due to psychosocial factors
Psychophysiological disorders are believed to result from an interaction of biological, psychological, and socialcultural factors
Factitious Disorder
malingering- intentionally faking illness to achieve an external goal
patient may intentionally produce or fake physical symptoms simply from a wish to be a patient; that is, the motivation for assuming the sick role may be the role itself
often go to extremes to create the appearance of illness; give themselves medication secretly
often research their supposed ailments and may become very knowledgeable about medicine
munchausen syndrome- the extreme of and long-tem from of factitious disorder
munchausen syndrome by proxy- parents make up or produce physical illness in their children, leading in some case to repeated painful diagnostic tests, medication, and surgery
more common in women then men; severe cases are more frequent in men; usually begins during early adulthood
most common among people who: 1) as children received extensive medical treatment for a true physical disorder 2) experienced family problems or physical or emotional abuse in childhood 3) carry a grudge against the medical profession 4) have worked as a nurse, laboratory, technician, or medical aide 5) have an underlying personality problem such as extreme dependence
often have poor social support, few long-term social relationships, and little family life
Somatoform Disorders
another pattern of physical complaints with largely...
Minamata Disease Poster
Published by the American Psychiatric Association,...
Disease?