4th edition as of August 2026

Module Overview

In Module 8, we will discuss matters related to somatic symptom disorders to include the clinical presentation, epidemiology, comorbidity, etiology, and treatment options for somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, functional neurological symptom (conversion) disorder, and factitious disorder.  We also will discuss psychological factors affecting other medication conditions in relation to their clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, common types of psychophysiological disorders, and treatment. Be sure you refer Modules 1-3 for explanations of key terms (Module 1), an overview of the various models to explain psychopathology (Module 2), and descriptions of therapies (Module 3).

 

Module Outline

• • 8.1. Clinical Presentation

• • 8.2. Epidemiology

• • 8.3. Comorbidity

• • 8.4. Etiology

• • 8.5. Treatment

• • 8.6. Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions

 

Module Learning Outcomes

• Describe how somatic symptom disorders present.
• Describe the epidemiology of somatic symptom disorders.
• Describe comorbidity in relation to somatic symptom disorders.
• Describe the etiology of somatic symptom disorders.
• Describe treatment options for somatic symptom disorders.
• Describe psychological factors affecting other medical conditions in terms of their clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, common types of psychophysiological disorders, and treatment.

 

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8.1. Clinical Presentation

 

Section Learning Objectives

• Describe somatic symptom and related disorders.
• Describe how somatic symptom disorder presents.
• Describe how illness anxiety disorder presents.
• Describe how functional neurological symptom (conversion) disorder presents.
• Describe how factitious disorder presents.

 

Psychological disorders that feature somatic symptoms are often challenging to diagnose due to the internalizing nature of the disorder, meaning there is no real way for a clinician to measure the somatic symptom. Furthermore, the somatic symptoms could take on many forms. For example, the individual may be faking the physical symptoms, imagining the symptoms, exaggerating the symptoms, or they could be real and triggered by external factors such as stress or other psychological disorders. The symptoms also may be part of a real medical illness or disorder, and therefore, the symptoms should be treated medicinally.

All the disorders within this chapter share a common feature: there is a presence of somatic symptoms and/or illness anxiety associated with significant distress or impairment. Oftentimes, individuals with a somatic disorder will present to their primary care physician with their physical complaints. Occasionally, they will be referred to clinical psychologists after an extensive medical evaluation concludes that a medical diagnosis cannot explain their current symptoms. As you will see, despite their similarities, there are key features that distinguish the disorders in this class from one another.

 

8.1.1. Somatic Symptom Disorder

Individuals with somatic symptom disorder often present with multiple somatic symptoms at one time. These symptoms are significant enough to impact their daily functioning, such as preventing them from attending school, work, or family obligations. The symptoms can be localized (i.e., in one spot) or diffused (i.e., entire body), and can be specific or nonspecific (e.g., fatigue). Individuals with somatic symptom disorder often report excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors surrounding their somatic symptoms (APA, 2022). For example, individuals with somatic symptom disorder may spend an excessive amount of time or energy evaluating their symptoms, as well as the potential seriousness of their symptoms. A lack of medical explanation is not needed for a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder, as it is assumed that the individual’s suffering is authentic. Somatic symptom disorder is often diagnosed when another medical condition is present, as these two diagnoses are not mutually exclusive.

Somatic symptom disorder patients generally present with significant worry about their illness. Their interpretation of symptoms is often viewed as threatening, harmful, or troublesome (APA, 2022). Because of their negative appraisals, they fear that their medical status is more serious than it typically is, and high levels of distress are often reported. Oftentimes these patients will “shop” at different physician offices to confirm the seriousness of their symptoms.

 

8.1.2. Illness Anxiety Disorder

Illness anxiety disorder, previously known as hypochondriasis, involves an excessive preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious medical illness. The key distinction between illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder is that an individual with illness anxiety disorder does not typically present with any somatic symptoms. Occasionally an individual will present with a somatic symptom; however, the intensity of the symptom is mild and does not drive the anxiety. Acquiring a serious illness drives concerns and they will even avoid visiting a sick relative or friend for fear of jeopardizing their own health.

Individuals with illness anxiety disorder generally are cleared medically; however, some individuals are diagnosed with a medical illness. In this case, their anxiety surrounding the severity of their disorder is excessive or disproportionate to their actual medical diagnosis. While an individual’s concern for an illness may be due to a physical sign or sensation, most individual’s concerns are derived not from a physical complaint, but their actual anxiety related to a suspected medical disorder. This excessive worry often expands to general anxiety regarding one’s health and disease. Unfortunately, this anxiety does not decrease even after reassurance from a medical provider or negative test results, even when provided by multiple physicians and diagnostic tests.

As one can imagine, the preoccupation and anxiety associated with attaining a medical illness severely impacts daily functioning. The individual will often spend copious amounts of time scanning and analyzing their body for “clues” of potential ailments. Additionally, an excessive amount of time is often spent on internet searches related to symptoms and rare illnesses. Illness becomes a central feature of the person’s identity and self-image. Although extreme, some cases of invalidism have been reported due to illness anxiety disorder (APA, 2022).

 

 

 

8.1.3. Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder)

Functional neurological symptom (conversion) disorder occurs when an individual presents with one or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function (APA, 2022). Common motor symptoms include weakness or paralysis, abnormal movements (e.g., tremors), and gait abnormalities (i.e., limping). Sensory symptoms include altered, reduced, or absent skin sensation, vision, or hearing. Less commonly seen are epileptic seizures and episodes of unresponsiveness resembling fainting or coma (Marshall et al., 2013). The disorder was called “conversion disorder” in prior versions of the DSM and in the psychiatric literature. As noted, “The term “conversion” originated in psychoanalytic theory, which proposes that unconscious psychic conflict is “converted” into physical symptoms” (APA, 2022).

The most challenging aspect of functional neurological symptom disorder is the complex relationship with a medical evaluation. While a diagnosis of conversion disorder requires that the symptoms not be explained by a neurological disease, just because a medical provider fails to provide evidence that it is not a specific medical disorder is not sufficient. Therefore, there must be evidence of an incompatibility of the medical disorder and the symptoms. For example, an individual experiencing a seizure would require a normal simultaneous electroencephalogram (EEG), indicating that there is no epileptic activity during what was previously thought of as an epileptic seizure.

 

8.1.4. Factitious Disorder

Factitious disorder differs from the three previously discussed somatic disorders in that there is deliberate falsification of medical or psychological symptoms imposed on oneself or on another, with the overall intention of deception. While a medical condition may be present, the severity of impairment related to the medical condition is more excessive due to the individual’s need to deceive those around them. Even more alarming is that this disorder is not only observed in the individual leading the deception— it can also be present in another individual, often a child or an individual with a compromised mental status who is not aware of the deception behind their illness.

Some examples of factitious disorder behaviors include, but are not limited to, altering a urine or blood test, falsifying medical records, ingesting a substance that would indicate abnormal laboratory results, physically injuring oneself, and inducing illness by injecting or ingesting a harmful substance. Although most individuals with factitious disorder seek treatment from health care professionals, some choose to mislead community members either in person or online about the illness or injury (APA, 2022). While it is unclear why an individual would want to fake their own (or someone else’s) physical illness, there is some evidence suggesting that factors such as depression, lack of parental support during childhood, or an excessive need for social support may contribute to this disorder (McDermott, Leamon, Feldman, & Scott, 2012; Ozden & Canat, 1999; Feldman & Feldman, 1995).

Individuals with factitious disorder are at risk for experiencing psychological distress or functional impairment causing harm to themselves and others such as family, friends, heath care professionals, and faith leaders. The DSM-5-TR states, “Whereas some aspects of factitious disorders might represent criminal behavior, such criminal behavior and mental illness are not mutually exclusive” (APA, 2022, pg. 368).

 

 

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8.2. Epidemiology

 

Section Learning Objectives

• Describe the epidemiology of somatic disorders.

 

The prevalence rates for somatic disorders are often difficult to determine; however, overall estimates of somatic symptom disorder are around 4-6%. There is a trend that females report more somatic symptoms than males; thus, more females are diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder than males (APA, 2022).

Seeing as illness anxiety disorder is a newer diagnosis (replacing hypochondriasis), prevalence rates are largely based on the previous disorder. Previous findings suggest that illness anxiety disorder occurs in 1.3% to 10% of the general population and is equal among males and females.

Prevalence rates of factitious disorder are largely unknown, likely due to the use of deception in individuals diagnosed with the disorder. Additionally, health care professionals infrequently record the diagnosis, even in recognized cases (APA, 2022).

And like the other somatic symptom disorders, the prevalence of functional neurological symptom disorder is unknown, even though transient functional neurological symptoms are common. In the United States and northern Europe, research shows that the incidence of individual persistent functional neurological symptoms to be around 4-12 of every 100,000 annually (APA, 2022).

 

You should have learned the following in this section:

• Though prevalence rates for somatic symptom disorders are hard to determine, it is believed that between 1 and 10% of the population suffer from one of these disorders.
• Females are more like to be diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder and are as likely as males to be diagnosed with illness anxiety disorder.

 

Section 8.2 Review Questions

1. Create a table of the prevalence rates across the various somatic disorders. What are the differences between the disorders?
2. What gender differences are evident in the disorders, if any?

 

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8.3. Comorbidity

 

Section Learning Objectives

• Describe the comorbidity of somatic disorders.

 

Given that half of psychiatric patients also have an additional medical disorder, 35% have an undiagnosed medical condition, and approximately 20% reported medical problems caused their mental condition, it should not come as a surprise that somatic disorders, in general, have high comorbidity with other psychological disorders (Felker, Yazel, & Short, 1996). More specifically, anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most commonly co-diagnosed disorders for somatic disorders. While there is not a lot of information regarding specific comorbidities among somatic symptom and related disorders, there is some evidence to suggest that those with illness anxiety disorder are at risk of developing OCD and personality disorders. Similarly, personality disorders are more common in individuals with functional neurological symptom disorder than the general public. Somatic symptom disorder is also comorbid with PTSD and OCD.  (APA, 2022). No comorbidity information is given for factitious disorder.

There is also high comorbidity between somatic disorders and other physical disorders classified as central sensitivity syndromes (CSSs), due to their common central sensitization symptoms, yet medically unexplained symptoms (McGeary, Harzell, McGeary, & Gatchel, 2016). Disorders included in this group are fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Comorbidity rates are estimated at 60% for these functional syndromes and somatic pain disorder (Egloff et al., 2014).

 

 

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8.4. Etiology

 

Section Learning Objectives

• Describe the psychodynamic causes of somatic disorders.
• Describe the cognitive causes of somatic disorders.
• Describe the behavioral causes of somatic disorders.
• Describe the sociocultural causes of somatic disorders.

 

8.4.1. Psychodynamic

Psychodynamic theory suggests that somatic symptoms develop in response to unconscious emotional conflicts or psychological distress. Two concepts commonly associated with this perspective are primary gain and secondary gain. Primary gain refers to the unconscious reduction of emotional distress or internal conflict, whereas secondary gains refers to the external benefits that may unintentionally reinforce illness behaviors (i.e. receiving attention and support from others; Levenson, 2023). While psychodynamic researchers support these concepts, contemporary models of somatic symptom disorders emphasize that symptoms typically arise from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors rather than a single cause (APA, 2018).

 

8.4.2. Cognitive

Cognitive theorists propose that somatic disorders develop and are maintained by maladaptive beliefs and exaggerated interpretations about bodily sensations. Individuals with somatic related disorders may have a heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, increased vigilance, and a tendency to catastrophically misinterpret minor or benign symptoms as evidence of serious illness. This sensitivity, combined with maladaptive thought patterns, may lead individuals to overanalyze and interpret their physiological symptoms in a negative light and unintentionally reinforce health-related fears (APA, 2022).

For example, an individual with a headache may catastrophize the symptoms and believe that their headache is the direct result of a brain tumor, as opposed to stress or other inoculate reasons. Even when a medical evaluation fails to identify a serious condition, the individual may continue to catastrophize even further, believing they have an extremely rare disorder that requires an evaluation from a specialist. This cycle and reassurance seeking can contribute to the persistence of somatic symptoms (APA, 2022).

 

8.4.3. Behavioral

Consistent with behavioral approaches to psychological disorders, behaviorists propose that somatic disorders are developed and maintained by reinforcers. For example, increased attention, reassurance, reduced responsibilities or avoidance of stressful situations may unintentionally reinforce health-related behaviors and contribute to the persistence of symptoms (Henningsen, 2018).

While the behavioral theory concept of reinforcement overlaps with the psychodynamic concept of secondary gains, the two perspectives differ in their explanation of development of symptoms. More specifically, behavioral theorists emphasize how consequences and learned behaviors contribute to the maintenance of symptoms, whereas psychodynamic theorists focus on unconscious emotional conflicts as the source of symptoms, with secondary gains occurring after the symptoms have developed (APA, 2022).  

 

8.4.4. Sociocultural

Sociocultural factors contribute to the development and maintenance of somatic related disorders in several ways. Family and social environments can influence how individuals interpret and respond to bodily sensations. For example, individuals who grow up in environments where illness behaviors are highly monitored or where physical symptoms receive increased attention may become more likely to focus on bodily sensations (Henningsen, 2018).

While individuals across cultures experience interactions between psychological and physical symptoms, cultural beliefs influence whether distress is expressed primarily through emotional symptoms, physical complaints, or a combination of both. In some cultural contexts, reporting physical symptoms may be more socially acceptable, whereas other cultures it may carry a stigma. For example, in some Asian cultural backgrounds may be more likely to emphasize somatic symptoms when describing psychological distress, whereas individuals in many Western cultures may be more likely to describe emotional or cognitive symptoms (Sue & Sue, 2016).

 

 

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8.5. Treatment

 

Section Learning Objectives

• Describe treatment options for somatic disorders.

 

Treatment for somatic-related disorders is often difficult as individuals see their problems as completely medical, and therefore, do not think psychological intervention is necessary (APA, 2022). Repeated medical evaluations that fail to identify a serious medical condition may eventually lead some individuals to consider psychological treatment. Effective treatment often includes psychotherapy, medication (when appropriate), or a combination of both (Henningsen, 2018).

One of the most effective treatment approaches follows the biopsychosocial model, which recognizes that biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence symptom development and maintenance. Current clinical guidelines suggest a multidisciplinary approach where the symptoms are managed by many providers, usually including a physician, psychiatrist, and psychologist. The interdisciplinary approach involves a higher level of care as the multiple disciplines interact with one another and identify a treatment goal (Henningsen, 2018). Treatment typically emphasizes establishing a consistent therapeutic relationship with a trusted healthcare provider, reducing unnecessary diagnostic testing and improving coping skills. This approach has been shown to improve symptom management while reducing unnecessary healthcare utilization (Lowe et al., 2024).

 

8.5.1. Psychotherapy

            8.5.1.1. Psychodynamic. Interpersonal psychotherapy, a type of psychodynamic therapy, has been found to be effective in treating somatic disorders. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the relationship between self-experience and the unconscious, and how these factors contribute to body dysfunction. This type of treatment has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and improve the overall quality of life immediately following treatment; however, effects appear to diminish over time (Abass et al., 2014; Steinert et al., 2015).

            8.5.1.2. CBT. Traditional cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) have been identified as one of the most effective psychological treatments for somatic disorders. CBT helps individuals identify and modify maladaptive beliefs and interpretations about physical symptoms while reducing excessive health-related anxiety and illness behaviors. A primary treatment goal is addressing catastrophic thinking, in which minor bodily sensations are interpreted as a serious medical condition. CBT also targets excessive body monitoring, repeated reassurance seeking, avoidance of activities and maladaptive coping strategies that contribute to and maintain symptoms (Kikas et al., 2024; Maas et al., 2020).

            8.5.1.3. Behavioral. Behavioral therapies are frequently incorporated into CBT and focus on reducing behaviors that maintain distress. These interventions encourage individuals to resume normal daily activities, reduce avoidance behaviors, decrease reassurance seeking through unnecessary medical visits and improve healthy coping strategies. Relaxation training, mindfulness-based interventions and stress management techniques may be helpful in reducing anxiety related to symptoms (Kikas et al., 2024; Lowe et al., 2024). These approaches have been especially helpful for individuals experiencing chronic pain or persistent physical symptoms.

 

8.5.2. Psychopharmacology

Psychopharmacological interventions are rarely used due to possible side effects and unknown efficacy. Given that these individuals already have a heightened reaction to their physiological symptoms, there is a high likelihood that the side effects of medication would produce more harm than help. With that said, psychopharmacological interventions may be helpful for those individuals who have comorbid psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety, which may negatively impact their ability to engage in psychotherapy (McGeary, Harzell, McGeary, & Gatchel, 2016).

 

 

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8.6. Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions

 

Section Learning Objectives

• Describe how psychological factors affecting other medical conditions present.
• List and describe the most common types of psychophysiological disorders.
• Describe treatment options for psychological factors affecting other medical conditions.

 

Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions refers to situations where psychological or behavioral factors adversely influence the course, treatment, or outcome of an existing medical condition. While the medical illness is genuine and independently diagnosed, the psychological factors (e.g. chronic stress, maladaptive coping strategies, poor treatment adherence, etc.) contribute to worsening symptoms or negatively impact treatment/recovery (APA, 2022).

 

8.6.1. Psychophysiological Disorders

The most common types of psychophysiological disorders are headaches (migraines and tension), gastrointestinal (ulcer and irritable bowel), insomnia, and cardiovascular-related disorders (coronary heart disease and hypertension). We will briefly review these disorders and discuss the associated psychological features believed to exacerbate symptoms.

            8.6.1.1. Headaches. Among the most common types of headaches are migraines and tension headaches. Migraines are a complex neurological disorder characterized by moderate to severe headache pain that is often unilateral and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and sensitivity to light and sound. Current research indicates that migraines involve interactions among genetic factors, brain networks, trigeminovascular activation, and neurochemical processes (Burch et al., 2019; Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society, 2018).

Psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, may contribute to headache onset or worsening by increasing physiological arousal. Tension headaches are associated with pressure or tightening sensations, often localized to one part of the head or neck; however, tension headaches can co-occur in multiple places at one time. Unlike migraines, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light do not often occur with tension headaches. In efforts to reduce the frequency and intensity of both migraines and tension headaches, individuals have found relief in relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, as well as the use of biofeedback training to help encourage the relaxation of muscles (Burch et al., 2021).

            8.6.1.2. Gastrointestinal. Gastrointestinal disorders are strongly influenced by interactions between the brain and digestive system, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. One common example is peptic ulcer disease, which occurs when mucus from digestive juices is reduced, allowing digestive acids to burn a hole into the stomach lining. The primary causes of peptic ulcers are infections with H. pylori and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; While stress does not directly cause most ulcers, there is evidence to suggest that stress may contribute to symptom severity and delayed recovery (Narayanan et al., 2018). Because IBS is a functional disorder, there are no known structural, chemical, or physiological abnormalities responsible for the symptoms. However, there is conclusive evidence that IBS symptoms are related to psychological distress, particularly in those with anxiety or depression. Although more research is needed to pinpoint the timing between the onset of IBS and psychological disorders, preliminary evidence suggests that psychological distress is present before IBS symptoms. Therefore, IBS may be best explained as a somatic expression of associated psychological problems (Sykes, Blanchard, Lackner, Keefer, & Krasner, 2003).

            8.6.1.3. Insomnia. Insomnia involves persistent difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity for rest. Insomnia symptoms are common, occurring in more than one-third of the U.S. population, with approximately 10% of patients reporting chronic insomnia (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2021).

While exact pathways of chronic psychophysiological insomnia are unclear, there is evidence of some biopsychosocial factors that may predispose an individual to develop insomnia such as anxiety, depression, and overactive arousal systems (Trauer et al., 2015). Part of the difficulty with insomnia is it is bidirectional; psychological distress can interfere with sleep, while chronic sleep disruption can increase vulnerability to emotional difficulties. Due to this cyclic nature of psychological distress and insomnia, intervention for both sleep issues as well as psychological issues is vital to managing symptoms Edinger et al., 2021).

            8.6.1.4. Cardiovascular. Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for the past several decades. Costs related to disability, medical procedures, and societal burdens are estimated to be $444 billion a year (Purdy, 2013) with more recent estimates placing the burden at over $500 billion in terms of the combined direct costs of hospitalizations, procedures, and medications, and indirect costs of lost productivity and caregiving (Nikoo et al., 2026). With this large financial burden, there have been considerable efforts to identify risk and protective factors in predicting cardiovascular mortality.

Psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and poorer outcomes among individuals with heart disease.  These relationships are likely influenced by multiple pathways, including inflammation, autonomic nervous system activation, sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, smoking, and difficulty adhering to medical recommendations (American Heart Association, 2024).

            8.6.1.5. Hypertension. Hypertension, or chronically elevated blood pressure, is another medical condition influenced by biological, behavioral, and psychological factors. More specifically, constant stress, anxiety, and depression have all been found to impact the likelihood of a cardiac event due to their impact on vasoconstriction (Purdy, 2013). Although stress alone does not cause hypertension, persistent psychological distress may contribute to difficulty managing blood pressure and maintaining health behaviors (American Heart Association, 2024).

 

8.6.2. Treatments for Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions

As more information regarding contributing factors to psychophysiological disorders is discovered, more psychological treatment approaches have been developed and applied to these medical problems. Current treatment approaches emphasize the importance of relaxation training, biofeedback, hypnosis, traditional CBT treatments, and group therapy. These approaches are often used in combination with medical treatment to improve symptom management and quality of life.

            8.6.2.1. Relaxation training. Relaxation training teaches individuals strategies to decrease physiological arousal and regulate stress responses. Common techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery and mindfulness-based relaxation. While relaxation is used in combination with other psychological interventions to reduce anxiety (as seen in PTSD and various anxiety disorders), it has also been shown to be effective in treating physical symptoms such as headaches, chronic pain, as well as pain related to medical conditions (e.g., injection sites, side effects of medications; McKenna et al., 2015).

            8.6.2.2. Biofeedback. Biofeedback is a unique psychological treatment in which an individual is connected to a machine (usually a computer) that allows for continuous monitoring of involuntary physiological reactions. During biofeedback, individuals receive real-time information about physiological responses such as heart rate, galvanic skin response, respiration, muscle tension, and body temperature. This feedback allows individuals to develop greater awareness and control over physiological processes associated with stress and symptom severity.

Biofeedback has demonstrated effectiveness in managing migraine and tension-type headaches, chronic pain, and stress-related symptoms. Biofeedback is often combined with relaxation training and cognitive-behavioral strategies to improve treatment outcomes (Roy et al., 2020).

            8.6.2.3. Hypnosis. Hypnosis, which some argue is just an extreme sense of relaxation, has been effective in reducing pain and managing anxiety symptoms associated with medical procedures (Lang et al., 2000). Through extensive training, an individual can learn to engage in self-hypnosis or obtain recorded hypnosis monologues to assist with the management of physiological symptoms outside of hypnosis sessions.

Clinical hypnosis has demonstrated effectiveness in managing chronic pain, procedural anxiety, and some irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Individuals may also incorporate self-hypnosis strategies outside of treatment as a generalized coping strategy. While not effective for all individuals, research suggests it can be a useful complementary intervention to other evidence-based treatments (Jensen & Patterson, 2014).

            8.6.2.4. Group therapy. Group therapy is another effective treatment option for individuals with psychological distress related to physical disorders. These groups not only aim to reduce the negative emotions associated with chronic illnesses, but they also provide support from other group members that are experiencing the same physical and psychological symptoms. These groups are typically CBT based and utilize cognitive and behavioral strategies in a group setting to encourage acceptance of disease while also addressing maladaptive coping strategies.

More recent group interventions may also incorporate acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR) to improve psychological flexibility and quality of time. Group therapy treatment options are often particularly helpful for individuals who experience isolation or reduced social support due to their chronic illness (Gatchel et al., 2014).

 

 

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Module Recap

In Module 8, we discussed somatic disorders in terms of their clinical presentation, epidemiology, comorbidity, etiology, and treatment options. Somatic disorders included somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, functional neurological symptom (conversion) disorder, and factitious disorder. We also discussed psychological factors affecting other medication conditions in relation to their clinical presentation, common types of psychophysiological disorders, and treatment.

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End Module 8

4th edition as of August 2026