Untitled Storyboard
Storyboard Text
- Slide: 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.
- Slide: 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.
- Slide: 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.
- Slide: 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.
- Slide: 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.
- Slide: 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.