Which of the following best describes the hallmark feature of somatic symptom and related disorders?

• A. Persistent delusions and hallucinations without insight
• B. Mood swings between periods of mania and depression
• C. Recurrent episodes of panic attacks with no physical symptoms
• D. The presence of physical symptoms that are distressing or result in significant disruption of daily life, accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of somatic symptom and related disorders. These disorders are characterized primarily by the presence of physical symptoms that cause distress or significant disruption in daily life.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the hallmark feature is not about delusions or hallucinations (which are typical of psychotic disorders), nor about mood swings (which relate to mood disorders), nor solely about panic attacks without physical symptoms (which relate to anxiety disorders).
3. Step 3: Identify that the key aspect involves excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the physical symptoms, meaning the psychological response to the symptoms is disproportionate to the actual medical condition.
4. Step 4: Compare the options given and note that the correct description focuses on physical symptoms plus the excessive psychological response, which aligns with the diagnostic criteria for somatic symptom and related disorders.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is the presence of physical symptoms that are distressing or disruptive, accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms.