Somatoform and Factitious Disorders

Beset by contradictions, somatoform and factitious
disorders have an unusually long, rich, and colorful historical and clinical
tradition. Yet, some of them have received only limited empirical
investigation.

This book continues that rich tradition by offering a
broad and scholarly synthesis of the current knowledge-and
controversies-about somatoform and factitious disorders. Here you'll find
up-to-date, clinically focused overviews of these intriguing and often
difficult-to-treat disorders.

Recognized experts present the latest
findings along with insightful recommendations and illustrative case studies
on


* Somatization disorder-The evolution and problems of diagnostic
criteria (e.g., its focus on symptom counting), epidemiology, clinical
features, etiologic considerations, differential diagnosis (e.g., contrasted
with depressive and anxiety disorders), evaluation (use of questionnaires),
and treatment considerations (psychotherapy, psychotropic
medications).
* Hypochondriasis-History, clinical features,
theoretical models (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and physiologic),
research studies, and practical techniques for treatment (from
pharmacotherapy to cognitive behavioral therapy to alternative treatments
such as relaxation therapy).
* Body dysmorphic disorder-History
and prevalence, clinical features, treatment (including surgery and
nonpsychiatric medical treatment), etiology and pathophysiology (its
relationship to obsessive-compulsive, depressive, and eating disorders), and
diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
* Conversion disorder-Diagnostic criteria
and clinical subtypes, history and definitions, models of symptom
generation, functions served by conversion symptoms, associated features,
epidemiology, demographic and disease course, comorbidity, differential
diagnosis, and treatment (best done in collaboration with an internist,
primary care physician, or neurologist).
* Factitious disorders (widely
known as Munchausen syndrome, its most extreme subtype)-Empirical evidence
related to epidemiology and etiology; diagnosis, clinical description,
prevalence, and associated costs; limitations of current approaches; the
reliability and usefulness of differential diagnoses; comorbidity, etiology,
and management.

Both concise and thorough, this extensively annotated
volume clarifies the issues surrounding these fascinating disorders and
offers practical guidance and recommendations, highlighting the pressing
need for further research to improve patient care. As such, it will prove
compelling reading for practicing psychiatrists and other physicians in any
clinical setting who want to better understand the baffling complexities of
these distressing disorders.