Somatoform Disorders

Somatoform Disorders

Grade Level: High School

Subject: Psychology

Duration: 1-2 class periods

DOK Level: 4

Indiana Standard: P.6.4 Discuss major categories of abnormal behavior and distinguish which disorders fit under which categories – DSMIV/DSM-V.

P.1.9 Analyze human behavior from modern day perspectives in psychology.

Objective: Students will be able to identify the potential causes and symptoms of different Somatoform Disorders. Students will then create their own patient cases for two people with Somatoform Disorders.

Procedure: Students will view a video lecture over different Somatoform disorders, including causes and symptoms associated with this category of disorders.

Product or Assessment: Students will be creating two patient cases for imagined patients suffering from two of the specific Somatoform disorders discussed in the video lecture. Students will need to include the specific symptoms associated with the disorder, as well as creating a backstory for the patient that explains what has caused the disorder, according to four of the psychological perspectives. Below is an example of a potential patient case:

“Jane Doe is a 22 year old female. Jane has always been a healthy child with no known diagnosed illnesses or diseases. Jane lives with her mother, father, and two older siblings. Jane's older siblings are very well accomplished in their lives and receive constant praise and support from Jane's parents. Jane graduated from high school but decided not to go to college and instead is working at a local pet store. Jane's parents consistently remind her that she is not meeting her full potential, and comparing her success to that of her siblings. Jane has started to show symptoms such as mood and emotional instability. Jane is suffering from interpersonal issues and self image struggles. Jane has started to act impulse at work and has been having uncontrollable bursts of anger. Jane's parents have recommended that she come to see you because she recently started cutting her arms and has been mentioning suicide.”