Question

after an airplane flight, a 60-year old woman, with a history of chronic anxiety, developed deep vein thrombophlebitis (blood clots ) and a subsequent pulmonary embolism (blockage in the lung). over the next year, she focuses relentlessly on every sensation and pain she experiences and repeatedly seeks medical attention for these symptoms, which she worries is due to recurrent blood clots, despite all negative test results. review of symptoms reveals that she also has chronic back pain and that she has consulted many physicians for multiple symptoms, for which all test results have come back negative. what diagnosis best fits this picture?

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, it is possible that the 60-year old woman may be suffering from somatic symptom disorder (previously known as somatoform disorder or somatization disorder).

Somatic symptom disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition or by the effects of a medication. People with somatic symptom disorder often experience a high level of anxiety or distress related to their physical symptoms, and may be preoccupied with the belief that they have a serious medical condition. They may seek repeated medical attention and undergo numerous tests and procedures, despite negative test results.

It is important to note that somatic symptom disorder is not a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it should not be considered only after all other potential medical explanations have been ruled out. Instead, somatic symptom disorder should be considered as a potential diagnosis if the person's physical symptoms are severe, persistent, and cause significant distress or impairment in their daily life.

It is also possible that the woman may have other diagnoses in addition to somatic symptom disorder, such as chronic back pain or chronic anxiety. It would be important for her to receive a thorough evaluation from a mental health professional and possibly a medical specialist in order to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.