Author Question: A patient is being treated for somatoform disorder with psychotherapy and medication therapy. Which ... (Read 37 times)

Pea0909berry · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient is being treated for somatoform disorder with psychotherapy and medication therapy. Which interventions are appropriate for the patient's plan of care? Select all that apply.

a. Instructing the patient in use of imagery to distract themselves when feeling anx-ious
b. Educating the patient on the identification of side effects related to anxiolytic therapy
c. Monitoring the patient's vital signs to assess for the side effects of benzodiaze-pine administration
d. Discussing the need for long-term cognitive therapy in order to eliminate the symptoms of the disorder
e. Asking the patient to explain the role serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) play in the management of his symptoms.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. Which question assesses for the presence of a common co-morbid mental disorder?

a. Do you every have suicidal thoughts?
b. Do you worry about being terminally ill?
c. Do you see yourself as having problems controlling your anger?
d. Do you engage in repetitive, ritualistic behaviors to help control anxiety?

Koolkid240 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, C, E
Pharmacologic interventions are symptom oriented and include anxiolytics for associated anxiety, antidepressants for associated depression, and short-term benzodiazepine therapy. Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is recommended when benzodiazepines are pre-scribed. Instructing the patient to perform visual imagery (guided imagery) will reduce anxi-ety by distracting his or her focus on somatic concerns. When used, cognitive therapy is im-plemented short term.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Anxiety and depression are common comorbid mental health conditions seen in patients di-agnosed with body dysmorphic disorder due to their constant dissatisfaction with their ap-pearance. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, poor impulse control, and somatization disorders are not generally seen in such patients.