Bethany has spent the past ten years in and out of hospitals. She suffers from numerous physical complaints including severe hip, joint, leg, and head pain, and frequent bouts of diarrhea and bloating, and often reports breathing problems. Although numerous doctors and extensive tests revealed no physical problems, Bethany still reports vague symptoms of physical problems. Her problems would best fit a diagnosis of ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bethany's experience of having numerous physical complaints with no identifiable medical cause fits the criteria for somatic symptom disorder. This condition is characterized by an excessive focus on physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, that causes major emotional distress and problems functioning, even when no medical explanation is found.

Bethany Has Spent the Past Ten Years in and Out