Vickianna's doctor is trying to distinguish between illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder. According to the DSM-5, to make the distinction he should be determine if Vickianna _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder involve preoccupation with physical symptoms, but to make the distinction the doctor should determine if Vickianna actually has physical symptoms (for somatic symptom disorder) or if her preoccupation is solely focused on the fear of having or acquiring an illness (for illness anxiety disorder). Seeking medical help, having anxious thoughts, or experiencing acute stress can be present in both disorders and are not sufficient to differentiate between them.

Vickianna's Doctor Is Trying to Distinguish Between Illness Anxiety Disorder