A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following would be a likely comorbidity of somatic symptom disorder?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. While somatic symptom disorder (SSD) involves excessive focus on physical symptoms, it is not commonly linked to schizophrenia, which primarily affects perception and cognition. B. Major depressive disorder. Depression is a common comorbidity of somatic symptom disorder. Clients with SSD often experience persistent sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue due to their distress over physical symptoms, which can contribute to or exacerbate depression. C. Borderline personality disorder. While borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with emotional dysregulation and unstable relationships, it is not the most common comorbidity of SSD. BPD can co-occur with SSD, but depression and anxiety disorders are more frequently seen. D. Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder involves mood fluctuations between mania and depression, whereas SSD is primarily characterized by excessive health-related concerns. While both conditions can co-exist, depression is more commonly associated with SSD.