Question

Pt who recurrently goes to ED because of severe chest pain. Has been worked up for everything and all test are normal. He states that something needs to be done to "fix" his pain. Psych consult is placed. MSE and neuro is normal. Past hx reveals his father died of lung CA. Next intervention as psychiatrist is:

Answer 1

The next intervention as a psychiatrist would be to consider the possibility of somatic symptom disorder in this patient. A psychiatrist can help the patient explore the psychological factors underlying the chest pain and develop coping strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next intervention as a psychiatrist would be to consider the possibility of somatic symptom disorder in this patient. Somatic symptom disorder involves experiencing physical symptoms that are distressing and interfere with daily life, but have no physiological explanation. Given that the patient has been extensively worked up and all tests are normal, it is important to explore the potential role of psychological factors in his chest pain.

It is possible that the patient is experiencing psychosomatic symptoms due to the psychological distress associated with his father's death from lung cancer. The patient may be unconsciously associating his chest pain with the fear of developing a similar condition. A psychiatrist can help the patient explore these underlying psychological factors and develop coping strategies to manage his chest pain.