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Somatoform Pain Disorder

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Somatoform pain disorder is a condition where the person experiences one or more severe and chronic painful sensations. The pain these individuals experience is similar to painful symptoms of any physical disorder but in this case, there is no physical cause. It is believed that the pain is attributed to psychological issues, sometimes occurring after a very stressful or traumatic event. There are 3 types of pain disorders:
• Pain from psychological causes.
• Pain from both psychological and another medical condition.
• Pain from a general medical condition.
Causes
Originally this condition was thought to be caused by emotional stress and clients were told that their pain was a fabrication of the imagination. These days, it is known that the painful …show more content…

• Pain that causes immense distress and/or impairment of functioning.
• Pain is not intentionally caused, or better accounted for from a mood or anxiety disorder.
[ Behavioral ]
• Severe anxiety.
• Depression.
• Feeling hopeless or helpless.
Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy – can help the client redirect their mind and identify what makes the pain worse or better. The therapist will also help the client find new ways to cope with the anxiety and the painful sensations.
Supportive therapy – this include distraction techniques, hypnosis, massage, physical therapy, exercises to reduce stress, and hot and cold applications. Group therapy at pain centers may also beneficial.
Medications
• SSRI’s – Celexa (Citalopram), Lexapro (Escitalopram), Prozac (Fluoxetine), Paxil (Paroxetine) and Zoloft (Sertraline) and Luvox (Fluvoxamine).
• SNRI’s – Effexor (Venlafaxine), Cymbalta (Duloxetine), Dalcipran (Ilnacipran) and Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine).
Treatment Goals Goal of treatment is to help manage and even reduce the painful sensations the client experiences, as well as decreasing the amount of anxiety associated with worrying about the pain.
Nursing

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