Somatic and dissociative disorders are mental health conditions with distinct symptoms. Somatic disorders involve physical symptoms without medical explanation, often linked to psychological factors. Dissociative disorders result from disruptions in consciousness and identity, frequently associated with trauma. This overview discusses their prevalence, etiology, and clinical manifestations, providing insight into their impact on individuals.
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Somatic disorders are characterized by physical symptoms that lack a sufficient medical explanation and cause significant distress and impairment
Genetic Factors
Genetic predispositions may influence an individual's threshold for pain perception, which can be amplified in those with somatic disorders
Psychological Factors
Early life experiences, especially trauma or exposure to family members with similar disorders, may contribute to the development of somatic disorders
Comorbid Conditions and External Stressors
Comorbid mental health conditions and external stressors can exacerbate the risk of developing somatic disorders
Somatic disorders include Somatic Symptom Disorder, Illness Anxiety Disorder, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions, and Factitious Disorder
Dissociative disorders are characterized by disruptions in the normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, and perception, which can severely affect a person's ability to function in daily life
Trauma and Abuse
Exposure to chronic trauma or abuse, particularly in childhood, is a primary risk factor for dissociative disorders
Dissociative Amnesia
Dissociative Amnesia is characterized by memory loss and gaps in recall due to psychological distress
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Dissociative Identity Disorder involves the presence of multiple distinct personalities within one individual
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder is characterized by a sense of detachment from oneself or reality
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Symptoms of somatic disorders
Physical symptoms without medical explanation, causing distress and impairment.
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Psychological factors in somatic disorders
Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to physical complaints.
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Core features of dissociative disorders
Disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, perception; often linked to trauma.
