MGP1010

Somatisation ( 4 points, SCA Band 3, 0.083 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr G Blashki

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit addresses the common clinical problem of somatic symptoms with no organic basis. Specific areas to be covered include the aetiology of somatic symptoms with no organic basis, chronic fatigue, hypochondriasis, chronic pain, somatisation disorder, psychological approaches to treatment, pharmacotherapeutic approaches, appropriate use of investigations for assessment, and models of shared care for long term management.

Objectives: By the end of this unit candidates will: 1. understand the context in which patients present to general practitioners with somatic complaints with no organic basis; 2. be able to display knowledge of the classification of somatoform disorders; 3. be able to appropriately investigate patients suffering from somatoform disorders; 4. be familiar with the medication and non-medication management of patients with somatoform disorders; 5. feel confident in adopting a psychological approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with somatic presentations.

Assessment: Journal (P/F)