Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

In a client exhibiting symptoms of hypochondriasis, which defense mechanisms are commonly observed?

1. Suppression and projection

2. Denial and localization

3. Denial and somatization

4. Rationalization and displacement

The correct answer is: Denial and somatization

In cases of hypochondriasis, where individuals have excessive preoccupations with having a serious illness despite medical reassurance, the defense mechanisms typically observed include denial and somatization. Denial serves as a mechanism where the individual refuses to accept the reality of their symptoms or the reassurance provided by medical professionals, often insisting they are seriously ill despite evidence to the contrary. This inability to accept the lack of a medical condition leads them to continue seeking validation for their fears. Somatization is the process through which psychological distress is expressed as physical symptoms. In the context of hypochondriasis, individuals may convert their anxiety about health into tangible bodily complaints, even if there is no physiological basis for them. This reflects a deep-seated emotional issue manifesting through physical symptoms, characteristic of the hypochondriacal disorder. Therefore, these two defense mechanisms—denial and somatization—are integral to understanding the psychological processes at work in individuals exhibiting hypochondriasis. Recognizing these mechanisms can aid in effective treatment and therapeutic approaches.