Neuropsychological Evaluation of Somatoform and Other Functional Somatic Conditions: Assessment Primer [Paperback]

Neuropsychologists are provided with little formal education and training regarding the identification and measurement of somatoform symptoms, yet these conditions are highly prevalent, with estimates indicating that 20% of general medical patients and 30% of neurologic clinic patients present with symptoms lacking medical explanation.

This book provides neuropsychologists with comprehensive information and specific practice recommendations for the assessment of patients with somatoform conditions. The first four chapters discuss the genesis of somatoform and other functional somatic symptom disorders, and the next seven chapters address somatoform conditions in the context of nonepileptic seizures, multiple chemical sensitivity and other claimed toxic exposures, pseudotremor and other nonphysiologic movement disorders, postconcussion syndrome, chronic pain/fibromyalgia/complex regional pain syndrome, attention deficit disorder, and auto-immune disease. Chapters are also included that address the use of the MMPI-2-RF in differentiating somatoform disorder and malingering, medically unexplained symptoms in non-English-speaking individuals; workplace factors in somatization; and testimony involving somatoform conditions. The book is targeted for practicing neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists including those specializing in behavioral medicine, and students in training.

SECTION I Genesis of Somatoform and Functional Somatic Conditions

1 Self-Deception in Somatoform Conditions: Differentiating Between Conscious and Nonconscious Symptom Feigning Kyle B. Boone

2 The Role of Early Life Trauma in Somatization: Implications for the Clinical Practice of Neuropsychology Tara L. Victor and Kathleen M. Van Dyk

3 The Role of Attachment Ruptures and Related Developmental Contributors to the Experience of Physicl¦