A nurse is working with an older adult client who has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following should the nurse consider when working with an older adult who has somatic symptom disorder?

Choice A reason: The onset of somatic symptom disorder typically occurs earlier in life, often during adolescence or early adulthood. While it persists into older age, it is less common for the initial symptoms and diagnostic criteria to manifest for the first time during the geriatric stage of development. Choice B reason: In older adults, somatic symptoms are often attributed to normal aging or co-existing chronic medical conditions like arthritis or cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the psychological component of the distress is frequently overlooked, leading to significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the psychiatric aspect of the client's condition. Choice C reason: There is no diagnostic requirement that somatic symptom disorder must be identified before 18 years of age. While symptoms often begin early, the DSM-5-TR criteria allow for diagnosis at any age, provided the symptoms cause significant distress or impairment and are accompanied by excessive health-related thoughts. Choice D reason: Somatic symptom disorder is rarely diagnosed in early childhood, as children may lack the cognitive maturity to manifest the "excessive thoughts and feelings" required for the diagnosis. It most commonly emerges in the late teens or early twenties and follows a chronic, fluctuating course throughout life.