Sample interview questions: How do you approach the assessment and treatment of older adults with somatic symptom disorders?
Sample answer:
Assessment
- Comprehensive medical evaluation: Rule out underlying medical conditions that may mimic somatic symptoms.
- Psychiatric evaluation: Assess for co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or personality disorders.
- Psychological assessment: Utilize instruments like the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) or the Somatic Symptom Inventory (SSI) to screen for somatic symptoms.
- Cognitive assessment: Evaluate cognitive functioning, particularly attention, memory, and executive function, which can impact symptom perception and management.
- Social and environmental assessment: Explore the individual’s social support network, living situation, and any stressors that may contribute to symptoms.
Treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focus on identifying and challenging maladaptive beliefs and behaviors related to somatic symptoms.
- Mindfulness-based interventions: Teach techniques for reducing symptom awareness and fostering acceptance.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): Emphasize accepting s… Read full answer