What intervention should be included in the plan of care for a client with somatic symptom disorder?

In caring for a client with somatic symptom disorder, limiting discussions of physical symptoms is a key intervention. This approach helps to shift the focus away from the client's preoccupation with their physical complaints and instead encourages engagement in more adaptive coping mechanisms and activities. By reducing the emphasis on physical symptoms, the nurse can assist the client in recognizing how these symptoms contribute to their distress and potentially reinforce maladaptive behaviors.

Promoting a focus on emotional and psychological aspects rather than solely physical manifestations can lead to improved outcomes. It encourages the client to express feelings and thoughts unrelated to their somatic concerns, which can help in processing underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to their condition. This intervention also helps to prevent the reinforcement of the somatic focus that can exacerbate the disorder.

This strategy aligns with therapeutic approaches for somatic symptom disorder, which emphasize a holistic view of the patient's health rather than validating or minimizing their physical experience. By fostering an environment where physical symptoms are acknowledged but not highlighted, caregivers can better support the client in exploring and addressing the psychological elements of their condition.