A nurse is working with an older adult client who has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following should the nurse consider when working with an older adult who has somatic symptom disorder?
Somatic symptom disorder is usually diagnosed in early childhood.
Somatic symptom disorder is usually underdiagnosed in the older population.
Somatic symptom disorder must be diagnosed before 18 years of age.
Somatic symptom disorder is usually onset in older adulthood.
The Correct Answer is B
B. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) involves persistent, distressing physical symptoms along with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms. While SSD can occur at any age, it is often underdiagnosed in the older population. Older adults may present with various somatic complaints, which can sometimes be mistaken for age-related physical health issues rather than manifestations of a psychological disorder.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning, which is crucial for individuals with avoidant personality disorder. This therapy helps clients work through feelings of inadequacy, sensitivity to criticism, and fear of rejection, aiming to enhance their ability to connect with others and improve their social skills.
B. Antipsychotic medications are primarily used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychotic features. They are not the first-line treatment for avoidant personality disorder.
C. While DBT is useful for emotional regulation and has applications in various personality disorders, it is primarily designed for borderline personality disorder and may not be the first choice for avoidant personality disorder.
D Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that emphasizes acceptance and change strategies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Late-onset schizophrenia typically presents with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal. However, this does not differentiate it from typical schizophrenia.
B. Substance use, including cannabis use, is a known risk factor for the development of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals who are genetically predisposed to the disorder. However, cannabis use as a teenager alone does not necessarily indicate late-onset schizophrenia.
C. Paraphrenia or late onset schizophrenia generally occurs later in life and symptoms persist and intensify as the client ages. Schizophrenia is rarely diagnosed after the age of 40 and is considered late onset if diagnosed after the age of 40.
D. Family history of psychosis or schizophrenia is a significant risk factor for developing schizophrenia, including late-onset schizophrenia. However, having a family member who mirrors the client's behaviors of psychosis is not a specific finding indicative of late-onset schizophrenia.
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