1. PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Lecture Notes Key: ^ means discuss before notes
v means discuss after notes
Motivator: Tell the students that the term somatoform comes from the Greek word soma, meaning ‘body.’ Then ask students what they think somatoform disorders might involve.

2. III. Types of Psych Disorders 3. Somatoform Disorders
A preoccupation w/some imagined physical defect in a normal person when there is no physical explanation
V Physical symptoms that seem as if they are part of a general medical condition, however no general medical condition, other mental disorder, or substance is present. In this case psychological conflicts may becoming translated into physical problems or complaints. With the number one complaint being of some type of physical symptom,  it is no wonder this disorder is often discovered in a general medical setting.
V The DSM-IV identifies six types of somatoform disorders. We are going to talk about the two most popular.
V Conversion Disorder - Ex. They may be suddenly develop the inability to see at night or to move their legs, even though no medical explanation exists for their sudden disability. They aren’t intentional - or faking it.
a. Conversion Disorder
b. Hypochondriasis
c. Body Dysmorphic Disorder

3. III. Types of Psych Disorders
3. Somatoform Disorders cont.
a. Conversion Disorder
a change in or loss of physical functioning in a major part of the body w/o any physical explanation
- Signs and symptoms of conversion disorder typically affect your movement or your senses, such as the ability to walk, swallow, see or hear. Conversion disorder symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go or be persistent. The outcome may be better in younger children than in teenagers and adults. According to some experts, most people get better with immediate and proper management
For example, in conversion disorder, your leg may become paralyzed after you fall from a horse, even though you weren't physically injured. Conversion disorder signs and symptoms appear with no underlying physical cause, and you can't control them.
People with hypochondriasis become absorbed by minor physical symptoms and sensations, convinced that the symptoms indicate a serious medical illness. These people maintain their false beliefs despite reassurances from doctors that there is nothing physically wrong with them. Some people with hypochondriasis visit doctor after doctor, seeking the one physician who will find the cause of their symptoms.
There are other Somatoform disorders, one growing in popularity is Body Dysmorphic Disorder - this is a disorder in which people believe they an unfounded defect in their appearance. The may be obsessed with their nose or their jaw line, so much that they may seek cosmetic surgery.
b. Hypochondriasis
aka Hypochondria - a person’s unrealistic obsession w/the fear that they have a serious disease.
III. Types of
Psych Disorders

4. III. Types of Psych Disorders 3. Somatoform Disorders cont.
c. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) - a preoccupation w/an imagined physical defect in appearance, physique or self-image, despite there being no noticeable disfigurement or defect.
PC users, click play on video and Mac users click black circle to open browser and view a 5:40 minute BDD Youtube video.
Original link: g8&feature=youtu.be
People with hypochondriasis become absorbed by minor physical symptoms and sensations, convinced that the symptoms indicate a serious medical illness. These people maintain their false beliefs despite reassurances from doctors that there is nothing physically wrong with them. Some people with hypochondriasis visit doctor after doctor, seeking the one physician who will find the cause of their symptoms.
There are other Somatoform disorders, one growing in popularity is Body Dysmorphic Disorder - this is a disorder in which people believe they an unfounded defect in their appearance. The may be obsessed with their nose or their jaw line, so much that they may seek cosmetic surgery.

5. III. Types of Psych Disorders Explanations:
Psychodynamic View -occur because people repress emotions associated w/ forbidden urges & instead express them symbolically in physical symptoms.
Behaviorists View - Somatoform symptoms can serve as a reinforcer if they allow a person to escape from anxiety.
Biological - Some evidence suggests genetic factors may play a role

6. III. Types of Psych Disorders Explanations:
Name
Date
Period
Somatoform Disorders
A Day in the Life
Write a mini-story about a character with a somatoform disorder that we have discussed in the notes. Your story should somehow include the different symptoms that the character would experience. Also include any hardships they may experience in life because of the disorder, and how it affects their friends and family.
- Story should be at least two paragraphs.
Explanations:
Psychodynamic View -occur because people repress emotions associated w/ forbidden urges & instead express them symbolically in physical symptoms.
Behaviorists View - Somatoform symptoms can serve as a reinforcer if they allow a person to escape from anxiety.
Biological - Some evidence suggests genetic factors may play a role
Students pick one Somatoform disorder and write a story about a character with the disorder. If time, students share their story with the class, and the class guesses the character’s disorder.