Barbara was in a car accident and experienced neck pain immediately afterward.Doctors say that any injury to her neck healed within two weeks of the accident.Nine months later, Barbara begins to visit her doctor weekly, saying the pain is still unbearable and she needs stronger pain medication.What is a reasonable diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Barbara's symptoms are consistent with complex somatic symptom disorder with pain features (pain disorder), as there is continued distress and impairment related to pain that is disproportionate to any medical findings. It is also worth noting that Barbara's symptoms first appeared immediately after the car accident, suggesting a traumatic etiology.

Barbara Was in a Car Accident and Experienced Neck Pain