physical disorder

A physical disorder, also referred to as a physical disability, is a condition that affects an individual's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina. It can be caused by various factors such as anatomical loss, cosmetic disfigurement, physiological disease, disorder, or condition.

Some examples of physical disabilities include:

• Amputations and loss of limbs
• Arthritis
• Birth defects
• Cerebral palsy
• Cystic fibrosis
• Epilepsy
• Neural tube defects

Physical disabilities can be categorized into different types, including: * Mobility impairment (e.g. difficulty walking or climbing stairs) * Visual impairment (e.g. blindness or low vision) * Hearing loss * Chronic fatigue or pain * Seizures

A physical disability is defined as a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities in life, such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, carrying, lifting, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, writing, thinking, and communicating (1). It can also be described as a limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina that has a substantial and long-term negative impact on their daily life (5).

Physical disabilities may affect an individual's ability to perform various activities, such as moving, communicating, taking care of oneself, and participating in social and recreational activities. They can also have a significant impact on an individual's mental health and well-being.

References: [1] - A physical disability is defined as an anatomical loss, cosmetic disfigurement, physiological disease, disorder, or condition, that affects one or more of the major life activities (3). [2] - Physical disabilities may affect, either temporarily or permanently, a person's physical capacity and/or mobility. There are many different causes of physical disabilities (6). [3] - A physical disability is defined as an anatomical loss, cosmetic disfigurement, physiological disease, disorder, or condition, that affects one or more of the major life activities (3). [4] - A physical disability is a physical condition that limits a person's ability to function and perform activities ranging from moving to communicating to taking care of oneself (4). [5] - A physical disability is a "limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina." It has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative impact on their daily life (5). [6] - Physical disabilities may affect, either temporarily or permanently, a person's physical capacity and/or mobility. There are many different causes of physical disabilities (6). [7] - A physical disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities in life (i.e. walking, climbing stairs, reaching, carrying, lifting, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, writing, thinking, and communicating) (7).

Physical symptoms associated with somatic symptom disorder

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is characterized by a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath. The following are some common signs and symptoms:

• Body pains: Headaches, joint pains, muscle aches
• Gastrointestinal issues: Stomach aches, nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue and dizziness: Feeling extremely tired or experiencing dizziness
• Changes in vision or hearing: Difficulty with vision or hearing
• Abnormal movements: Itching, numbness, or abnormal muscle movements
• Respiratory problems: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

These physical symptoms can be distressing and may lead to significant impairment in daily life. In some cases, the symptoms may not have a clear physical cause, adding to the complexity of the condition.

Impact on daily life

The symptoms of SSD can have a significant impact on daily life, including:

• Trouble functioning: Difficulty with work, family, and social relationships
• Poor health: Experiencing poor overall health due to the focus on physical symptoms
• Increased risk for depression and suicide: Individuals with SSD may be at higher risk for developing depression and suicidal thoughts

It's essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, as early intervention can lead to more effective management of the condition.

References:

[1] Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath. (Source: [4]) [2] The symptoms may or may not be traceable to a physical cause including general medical conditions, other mental illnesses, or substance abuse. (Source: [5]) [3] Body pains including headaches, joint pains · stomach aches, nausea, vomiting · fatigue, dizziness, memory ... (Source: [6])

Common Diagnostic Tests for Physical Disorders

Physical disorders can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests, which help healthcare providers identify the underlying condition and develop an effective treatment plan. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose physical disorders:

• Laboratory Tests: These tests involve analyzing blood, urine, or other bodily fluids to detect abnormalities in the body's chemistry. Examples include:
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) [5]
  • Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) [5]
  • Electrodiagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) [6]
• Imaging Tests: These tests use imaging technologies to visualize the body's internal structures. Examples include:
  • X-rays
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scans [7]
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Ultrasound
• Other Diagnostic Tests: These tests are used to diagnose specific physical disorders, such as:
  • Biopsy [8] (to examine tissue samples for cancer or other conditions)
  • Colonoscopy [8] (to examine the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer)
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) [8] (to monitor heart activity)
  • Gastroscopy [8] (to examine the stomach and upper digestive tract)

These diagnostic tests can help healthcare providers diagnose a wide range of physical disorders, from musculoskeletal conditions to neurological disorders. It's essential to note that each test has its own specific purpose and may be used in combination with other tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

References: [5] - To complete the physical, your doctor may draw blood for several laboratory tests. These can include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel (also known as a chemistry screen) [context 5] [6] - Electrodiagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV). These tests evaluate and diagnose disorders of the muscles and nerves [context 6] [7] - Jul 8, 2024 — The most common blood tests evaluate everything from cholesterol levels, pregnancy status, blood disorders and more. [context 7] [8] - Diagnostic tests · Biopsy · Colonoscopy · CT scan · Electrocardiogram (ECG) · Electroencephalogram (EEG) · Gastroscopy · Eye tests · Hearing test. [context 8]

Treatment Options for Physical Disorders

People with substance use disorders often have co-occurring mental disorders or other health conditions such as HIV, which can affect their physical well-being [1]. In some cases, drug treatment may be necessary to manage these physical disorders.

• Medications: Various medications are used to treat physical disorders associated with substance use disorders. These include:
  • Antidepressants for mood disorders [9]
  • Anti-anxiety medications for anxiety disorders [9]
  • Antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder [5][9]
  • Mood stabilizing medications for bipolar disorder [5][9]
  • Stimulant medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [9]
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialty that helps people regain body functions they lost due to medical conditions or injury [10]. Physiatrists, who are fully trained medical doctors specializing in PM&R, can provide treatment for physical disorders associated with substance use disorders [8].
• Detoxification: Medically assisted detoxification is the first stage of addiction treatment and may be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms from certain substances [4].

It's essential to note that each individual's situation is unique, and a comprehensive treatment plan should be developed in consultation with a healthcare professional.

What is Differential Diagnosis in Physical Disorders?

A differential diagnosis is a systematic process used to identify the proper diagnosis from a set of possible competing diagnoses that present with similar symptoms. In the context of physical disorders, it involves a thorough evaluation of a patient's medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to determine the most likely cause of their symptoms.

Possible Conditions in Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of physical disorders can be extensive, including:

• Musculoskeletal conditions: such as muscle weakness, rheumatologic diseases (e.g., arthritis), endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid disease), genetic conditions (e.g., muscular dystrophy), medication- or toxin-related causes (e.g., statin-induced myopathy), and infectious etiologies (e.g., sepsis).
• Neurological conditions: such as peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by a variety of factors including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications.
• Gastrointestinal conditions: such as vasculitis, coagulopathies, metabolic diseases (e.g., Glutaric aciduria type 1), infection (e.g., sepsis, endocarditis), and malignancy (e.g., leukemia).
• Urinary tract infections: which can be caused by Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Interstitial cystitis, or Vaginal yeast infection.

Importance of Differential Diagnosis

A differential diagnosis is essential in the process of making a final diagnosis. It helps healthcare providers to rule out other possible conditions and focus on the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms. This approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their condition, thereby improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary tests or treatments.

References:

• [3] CE Cook · 2020 · Cited by 53 — Differential diagnosis is a systematic process used to identify the proper diagnosis from a set of possible competing diagnoses.
• [10] The differential diagnosis of true muscle weakness is extensive, including neurologic, rheumatologic, endocrine, genetic, medication- or toxin-related, and infectious etiologies.
• [11] If peripheral neuropathy is suspected, a differential diagnosis should be formulated through a history and physical examination.
• [12] A differential diagnosis of a urinary tract infection includes: Chlamydia. Gonorrhea. Interstitial cystitis. Vaginal yeast infection.