This disorder causes real physical symptoms with no medical cause, often from stress.
What is a somatoform disorder?
This happens when someone cannot stop using a drug even if it’s harming them
What is addiction?
How can substance abuse make somatoform symptoms worse?
It increases stress and anxiety, which can trigger or worsen physical symptoms in the body.
A type of somatoform disorder where someone may suddenly lose movement or sensation due to stress.
What is a conversion reaction?
Name one common reason teens might start using substances.
What is peer pressure (or stress, curiosity, coping, etc.)?
Why might someone with a conversion reaction turn to substances?
to cope with stress, pain, or confusion about their symptoms
Name one healthy alternative to substance use when dealing with stress.
exercise, talking to someone, hobbies, or relaxation techniques
True or False: A person is faking symptoms in a somatoform disorder
FALSE; their symptoms may be unexplainable, but are still real.
⭐️BONUS⭐️
A student starts having unexplained leg pain before tests and begins misusing medication to handle stress. What is happening between their mental health and substance use?
they are connected by stress which is causing physical symptoms, and substance use is making it worse.