Author Question: A client with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) also has anxiety. Which of the following would the ... (Read 59 times)

lak · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) also has anxiety. Which of the following would the nurse expect to be prescribed?

A) Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
B) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
C) Tricyclic antidepressant (TCAs)
D) Atypical antipsychotic

Question 2

A client has made multiple visits to the clinic. A nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing somatic symptom disorder (SSD) based on which of the following?

A) Expressions of concern about psychological problems
B) Indications that their parents were always in good health
C) Reports of symptoms changing to different body systems
D) Evidence of a need for social support from friends

bookworm410 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
For the client with somatic symptom disorder and anxiety, SSRIs are used in a higher dose than that prescribed for depression to relieve and manage the symptoms. Phenelzine is one MAOI that has been effective in treating not just depression, but also the chronic pain and headaches common in people with SSD. TCAs and atypical antipsychotics would not be used.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
SSD is one of the most difficult disorders to manage because the symptoms tend to change, are diffuse and complex, and vary/move from one body system to another. For example, initially there may be gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and neurologic (headache, backache) symptoms that change to musculoskeletal (aching legs) and sexual issues (pain in the abdomen, pain during intercourse). The physical symptoms may last for 69 months. Individuals with SSD perceive themselves as being sicker than the sick and report all aspects of their health as poor. Many eventually become disabled and cannot work. They typically visit health care providers multiple times per month and quickly become frustrated because their primary health care providers do not appreciate their level of suffering and are unable to validate that a particular problem accounts for their extreme discomfort.