NCLEX Review & Nursing School

• SOMATIZATION DISORDER

– a recurrent complains for which frequent medical attention is sought.

Somatization disorder is a somatoform disorder. The DSM-IV establishes the following five criteria for the diagnosis of this disorder:

• a history of somatic symptoms prior to the age of 30
• pain in at least four different sites on the body
• two gastrointestinal problems other than pain such as vomiting or diarrhea
• one sexual symptom such as lack of interest or erectile dysfunction
• one pseudoneurological symptom similar to those seen in Conversion disorder such as fainting or blindness.

Somatization disorder is difficult to diagnose but there are two tests that may help to determine if a patient has the condition:

1. a physical examination of the specified areas that the symptom seems to be in is the first test, along with
2. thorough clinical evaluation of the patient’s expressed symptoms. This is to determine whether or not the pain is due to a physical cause.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
– The patient has recurrent obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (repititive compulsions).
– There is a fear of losing control.  The client usually have a lot of anxiety.

Intervention:

• Relaxation Techniques
• Behavioral Therapy
• Support Groups can be helpful

Antidepressant Drugs (Psychotropic Medications)
– Slowly removes certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine)
Antidepresssnts used for anxiety:

1. Paroxetine (Paxil)
2. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
3. Sertraline (Zoloft)

* Be careful with interactions with alcohol.
– Do not discontinue meds abruptly.

Categories of Drugs:
SSRI/ Selective Sertonin Reuptake Inhibitor
– Works on the neurontransmitter serotonin.

TCA/ Tricyclic Antidepressants
MAOI/ Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor