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Dia: 1
I've had stomach pain and headaches for months. I'm worried something is seriously wrong.
Maria frequently experiences physical symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Dia: 2
All of your blood work, imaging, and physical exam are normal.
There must be something we're missing. I just feel it
Despite negative test results, Maria remains distressed about her symptoms.
Dia: 3
Explain to me how much time you spend thinking about your symptoms.
Almost all day. I keep searching WebMD and checking my body.
The clinician is assessing symptom severity, health anxiety, and the impact on functioning.
Dia: 4
Your symptoms are real, but the excessive worry and focus on them suggest Somatic Symptom Disorder.
So my pain isn't something I'm making up in my head?
No. What you're feeling is real, and we'll work on managing it.
Dia: 5
We'll start Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you manage symptom-related thoughts and anxiety.
CBT helps patients develop healthier coping strategies and reduce excessive health concerns.
Dia: 6
Additionally, because anxiety and depression are contributing to your distress, we'll start an SSRI such as fluoxetine.
Thank you. I'm feeling less anxious and hopeful that we can find a solution.
This integrated treatment approach helps reduce symptoms and enhances overall quality of life.