1. What specific symptoms are reported in the case? Provide a comprehensive enumeration. 2.  Based on the information provided, what is your provisional diagnosis of the patient/client’s condition? Justify your answer. 3. What other information is necessary to confirm the suggested diagnosis? Are there any other disorders or medical conditions that should be ruled out? 4. Are there any factors in the patient’s history that might contribute to the development of the disorder? Please identify the factor(s) and explain how they influenced the condition. 5. What treatment approaches or interventions could be effective for the diagnosed disorder(s)?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
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1. What specific symptoms are reported in the case? Provide a comprehensive enumeration.

2.  Based on the information provided, what is your provisional diagnosis of the patient/client’s condition? Justify your answer.

3. What other information is necessary to confirm the suggested diagnosis? Are there any other disorders or medical conditions that should be ruled out?

4. Are there any factors in the patient’s history that might contribute to the development of the disorder? Please identify the factor(s) and explain how they influenced the condition.

5. What treatment approaches or interventions could be effective for the diagnosed disorder(s)?

Alex is a 45-year-old man who visits a mental health clinic seeking help for what he
describes as debilitating physical symptoms. He presents with complaints of chronic
headaches, severe muscle pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort. These symptoms
have persisted for several years and have led to multiple visits to various doctors and
specialists, the resulting in extensive medical tests that have consistently shown no
underlying medical conditions. Alex's physical complaints seem to worsen during times of
stress or when he experiences interpersonal conflict. He often worries that his symptoms
indicate a serious, undiagnosed medical illness and that he might have a life-threatening
condition. His life revolves around doctors' appointments, hospital visits, and researching
potential illnesses online. He constantly seeks second opinions, convinced that something
has been missed by the healthcare professionals. In addition to his physical complaints,
Alex has become increasingly isolated. He avoids social events, citing concerns about
contracting an illness, and has trouble maintaining his job due to frequent absences related
to his health fears. His family and friends are worried about his constant anxiety over his
physical health.
Transcribed Image Text:Alex is a 45-year-old man who visits a mental health clinic seeking help for what he describes as debilitating physical symptoms. He presents with complaints of chronic headaches, severe muscle pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort. These symptoms have persisted for several years and have led to multiple visits to various doctors and specialists, the resulting in extensive medical tests that have consistently shown no underlying medical conditions. Alex's physical complaints seem to worsen during times of stress or when he experiences interpersonal conflict. He often worries that his symptoms indicate a serious, undiagnosed medical illness and that he might have a life-threatening condition. His life revolves around doctors' appointments, hospital visits, and researching potential illnesses online. He constantly seeks second opinions, convinced that something has been missed by the healthcare professionals. In addition to his physical complaints, Alex has become increasingly isolated. He avoids social events, citing concerns about contracting an illness, and has trouble maintaining his job due to frequent absences related to his health fears. His family and friends are worried about his constant anxiety over his physical health.
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