Struggling right now? You are not alone. Need to talk? Call or text 988 in the US, any time.Call or text 988 (US)
Topic
27 articles
Most recent
This category includes disorders with somatoform symptoms that do not meet the criteria for any specific Somatoform Disorder. Examples include 1. Pseudocyesis: a false belief of being pregnant that is associated with objective signs of pregnancy, which may include abdominal
1 min read
Specific Culture and Gender Features Cultural concerns about physical appearance and the importance of proper physical self-presentation may influence or amplify preoccupations about an imagined physical deformity. Body Dysmorphic Disorder may be equally common in women and in men in
1 min read
Diagnostic criteria for 300.7 Body Dysmorphic Disorder A. Preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is markedly excessive. B. The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational,
1 min read
Diagnostic Features The essential feature of Hypochondriasis is preoccupation with fears of having, or the idea that one has, a serious disease based on a misinterpretation of one or more bodily signs or symptoms (Criterion A). A thorough medical evaluation
2 min read
Diagnostic criteria for 300.7 Hypochondriasis A. Preoccupation with fears of having, or the idea that one has, a serious disease based on the person’s misinterpretation of bodily symptoms. B. The preoccupation persists despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance. C. The
1 min read
Diagnostic Features The essential feature of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (historically known as dysmorphophobia) is a preoccupation with a defect in appearance (Criterion A). The defect is either imagined, or, if a slight physical anomaly is present, the individual’s concern is
2 min read
Associated Features and Disorders Frequent checking of the defect, either directly or in a reflecting surface (e.g., mirrors, store windows, car bumpers, watch faces) can consume many hours a day. Some individuals use special lighting or magnifying glasses to scrutinize
3 min read
Differential Diagnosis Unlike normal concerns about appearance, the preoccupation with appearance in Body Dysmorphic Disorder is excessively time consuming and associated with significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. However, Body Dysmorphic Disorder may be
3 min read
Differential Diagnosis The most important differential diagnostic consideration in Hypochondriasis is an underlying general medical condition, such as the early stages of neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis), endocrine conditions (e.g., thyroid or parathyroid disease), diseases that affect
3 min read
Specifier With Poor Insight. This specifier is used if, for most of the time during the current episode, the individual does not recognize that the concern about having a serious illness is excessive or unreasonable. Associated Features and Disorders Associated
2 min read
Diagnostic criteria for Pain Disorder A. Pain in one or more anatomical sites is the predominant focus of the clinical presentation and is of sufficient severity to warrant clinical attention. B. The pain causes clinically significant distress or impairment in
2 min read
Specific Culture and Gender Features Whether it is unreasonable for the preoccupation with disease to persist despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance must be judged relative to the individual’s cultural background and explanatory models. The diagnosis of Hypochondriasis should be
1 min read
If you need help now
If you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone, talk to someone today. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.