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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Imagining Symptoms
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Imagining Symptoms
by Chris__0__0, Feb 12, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Docter,
Thank you for your response on 2/12/99. I not sure what you mean
about somatoform disorder. Could you further explain this?
I have been experiencing these symptoms in my urethra and
testicle since early July, I am now in my 8 month. As I stated,
I have been trying many things to reduce and better manage my
anxiety and stress levels, and it has been working. My symtoms
have greatly improved. I am certain that when I am over stressed
and anxious the burning and aching in my urethra and testicle
intensifies. But stress and anxiety can not be the cause.
The doctors have found nothing anatomically wrong with me to this
day. I'm still am experiencing discomfort especially after I
urinate or ejaculate.
I am continuing to follow up with my doctors however, Im starting
to feel a bit uncomfortable. I feel as if they don't believe me.
Should I express my concerns to them about this?
Doctor, I am a very stable person and I feel that there is no way
that I am imagining this. A person knows their body and I know that
something is definitely different about mine.
Thanks again for your response.
Chris
Thank you for your response on 2/12/99. I not sure what you mean
about somatoform disorder. Could you further explain this?
I have been experiencing these symptoms in my urethra and
testicle since early July, I am now in my 8 month. As I stated,
I have been trying many things to reduce and better manage my
anxiety and stress levels, and it has been working. My symtoms
have greatly improved. I am certain that when I am over stressed
and anxious the burning and aching in my urethra and testicle
intensifies. But stress and anxiety can not be the cause.
The doctors have found nothing anatomically wrong with me to this
day. I'm still am experiencing discomfort especially after I
urinate or ejaculate.
I am continuing to follow up with my doctors however, Im starting
to feel a bit uncomfortable. I feel as if they don't believe me.
Should I express my concerns to them about this?
Doctor, I am a very stable person and I feel that there is no way
that I am imagining this. A person knows their body and I know that
something is definitely different about mine.
Thanks again for your response.
Chris
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Feb 12, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear Chris,
I am glad to that you are having success in decreasing your anxiety. The current focus of your clinical symptoms appears to be the burning and pain in your urethra and testicles. It seems important to continue discussing your concerns with your urologist and psychiatrist.
Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical symptoms that have continued for longer than 6 months, and can not be explained by any medical condition or investigation, with the symptoms being severe enough to cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
Somatoform disorders include Pain Disorder, Hypochondriasis, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Somatization Disorder, to name a few.
I hope you find this information helpful. It is provided for educational purposes only, and should not replace consultation with your doctors. Henry Ford Behavioral Services provides confidential evaluation and treatment, available by calling (313) 874-6680 for an appointment.
*Keywords: somatoform disorders, pain disorder, hypochondriasis, body dysmorphic disorder, somatization disorder
