Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is a core feature of somatic symptom disorder?

1. Persistent worry about health

2. Delusional beliefs regarding situations

3. Experiencing physical symptoms only during stress

4. Frequent visits to multiple specialists

The correct answer is: Persistent worry about health

A core feature of somatic symptom disorder is persistent worry about health, which aligns with the primary characteristics of the condition. Individuals with somatic symptom disorder experience excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to physical symptoms that disrupt their daily lives. This preoccupation with their health often leads to significant anxiety, emotional distress, and impairment in functioning. This persistent worry can encompass fears of serious illness despite medical evaluations indicating otherwise and can contribute to the length and intensity of the experiences that individuals face. The focus on health in somatic symptom disorder goes beyond typical anxiety; it often results in significant strain on personal and social relationships, as well as on healthcare utilization. The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of somatic symptom disorder. Delusional beliefs regarding situations could be more indicative of a psychotic disorder rather than somatic symptom disorder. Experiencing physical symptoms only during stress may describe a different condition, potentially related to stress or anxiety disorders. Frequent visits to multiple specialists can occur, but it does not encapsulate the core feature, which is the ongoing health-related worry rather than the frequency of medical consultations. Therefore, the aspect of persistent worry about health captures the fundamental experience for individuals with somatic symptom disorder effectively.