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Somatization and Symptoms Evaluation
Author Bios
Introduction
Defining Somatization
Detecting Symptoms
Dimensions of Symptoms
Measuring Symptoms
Psychiatric Comorbidity
Interpreting Symptom Measures
Currently selected section: Functional Syndromes and Symptoms
Etiology of Symptoms
Levels of Etiological Certainty
Strengthening Etiological Classification
Confounding Etiological Factors
Symptoms and Patient Expectations
Interpreting Patient Responses
Measuring Multiple Symptoms
Global Rating of Change
Measuring Somatization
Measuring Other Domains
Conclusions


Chapter 16: Somatization and Symptoms Evaluation: Functional Syndromes and Symptoms
        

Problem 8.1

A patient presents to a general medicine clinic with a 6-month history of arm and leg pains and persistent fatigue. Physical examination is unrevealing, and laboratory testing is normal including a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum creatinine, liver function tests, thyroid stimulating hormone, urinalysis, rheumatoid factor, and ANA. Her PHQ-15 responses are shown in Figure 8.1 below.

Figure 8.1: Patient's Responses on the PHQ-15
During the past 4 weeks, how much have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Symptom Not bothered at all (0) Bothered a little (1) Bothered a lot (2)
a. Stomach Pain
X
b. Back Pain
X
c. Pain in your arms, legs, or joints (knees, hips, etc.)
X
d. Menstrual cramps or other problems with your periods [women only]
X
e.Headaches
X
f. Chest pain
X
g. Dizziness
X
h. Fainting spells
X
i. Feeling your heart pound or race
X
j. Shortness of breath
X
k. Pain or problems during sexual intercourse
X
l. Constipation, loose bowels, or diarrhea
X
m. Nausea, gas, or indigestion
X
n. Feeling tired or having low energy
X
o. Trouble sleeping
X
(For office coding: Total score 11 = 3 + 8)

Question 8.1

The most likely diagnosis in this patient based is:
Selection AFibromyalgia only
Selection B Irritable bowel syndrome only
Selection C Both fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome
Selection D Neither fibromyalgia nor irritable bowel syndrome

 

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