Our body and emotions are closely related.
It is important to know how to recognize when it is time to go to the office of a psychologist or psychiatrist, and when it is best to discuss psychosomatic issues with your family doctor or other medical professional.
You will learn what psychosomatics is, what causes it and how to treat it.
Psychosomatics - what is it?
A psychosomatic disorder is a psychological condition that manifests itself in physical symptoms, usually without a medical explanation. People with this condition may have too many thoughts, feelings or anxiety due to symptoms, which may affect their abilities and lead a normal life.
People with psychosomatic disorders usually do not report obvious symptoms of mental disorder. Instead, they believe that their problems are caused by health problems. Complainants tend to visit the doctor frequently for tests and treatment, but often receive no clear diagnosis, leading to frustration and fear.
A psychosomatic disorder is sometimes called a somatic symptom disorder, somatic symptoms, or somatic pain.
How common is a psychosomatic disorder?
Psychosomatic disorder is relatively common, occurring in approximately 5–7 % of the general population. For unknown reasons, women experience psychosomatic pain about 10 times more often than men.
What are the causes of psychosomatic symptoms?
People of any age can have psychosomatic symptoms.
Research has shown that various reasons can lead people to have somatic symptoms, the main reasons are as follows:
- Chaotic lifestyle.
- It is difficult to recognize and express emotions.
- Childhood trauma.
- A history of sexual abuse.
- Other psychological conditions such as depression or personality disorders.
- Substance abuse (such as alcoholism or drug addiction).
- Unemployment
The most common psychosomatic symptoms
Sex-related psychosomatic symptoms
The body's signs of stress can differ between the sexes. For example, when under stress, women often experience symptoms such as: fatigue (despite getting enough sleep) and irritability, as well as symptoms such as bloating and menstrual changes.
However stress signs and symptoms in men are more likely to include chest pain, increased blood pressure, and changes in libido.
Age-related psychosomatic symptoms
Signs and symptoms of stress also vary by age. Young children often experience stress because they have not yet developed the language to express how they feel. For example, a child who is struggling in school may often have a stomach ache or headache.
Stress during adolescence can be especially intense, especially during periods of major social adjustment and hormonal changes. Often, adults attribute stress symptoms to typical "teen angst" rather than teen depression.
Older people are also prone to depression as they deal with isolation, loss and grief, and health problems. If you're caring for an aging loved one, it's important to know that older people can also experience depression and may even need to see a family doctor.
How psychosomatic disorders can affect my body
Psychosomatic disorders can affect almost any part of the body. Therefore, it causes:
- Fatigue.
- Insomnia.
- Aches and pains, such as muscle or back pain.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
- Indigestion (stomach disorder).
- Headaches and migraine.
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence).
- Skin rash (dermatitis).
- Stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer).
What causes psychosomatic symptoms?
Scientists aren't sure. Some believe that stress releases the body hormones and chemicals that cause harm or dysfunction.
What are the symptoms?
In addition to the psychosomatic symptom itself (such as pain or an upset stomach), people with psychosomatic disorders often:
- Are angry or irritable because they feel their medical needs are not being met.
- Gets depressed.
- Has high blood pressure.
- Frequent visits to health care providers, often switching from one doctor to another.
- Having difficulties at work, school or social activities.
How is a psychosomatic disorder diagnosed?
A health professional can begin to diagnose psychosomatic disorders based on:
- History of visits to health care providers.
- Physical assessment.
- With negative test results.
To be diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder, a person must have:
- One or more symptoms that bother or interfere with daily life.
- Symptoms last at least six months.
- Persistent thoughts, depression, or anxiety about symptoms.
What tests could I do for a psychosomatic disorder?
Your doctor may want to do some tests to rule out other medical conditions, such as blood tests or a visual exam (a process that scans with a detector or electromagnetic beam).
However, when a doctor thinks the symptoms are psychosomatic, he usually does not do any tests. Instead, he tries to save his patients from the stress and expense of unnecessary tests and procedures.
How is psychosomatic pain and other somatic symptoms treated?
Several treatments can help people with somatic pain symptoms, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Medicines such as antidepressants.
- Mindfulness-based therapy.
- Referral to a mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist).
- Regular contact with your primary care provider.
How to prevent psychosomatic disorders?
Stress reduction and anger management strategies can help prevent or reduce somatic symptoms. Examples:
- Be realistic about what you can and cannot control.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
- Journaling to increase awareness of your thoughts and feelings.
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.
- Follow a healthy diet and maintain a steady weight.
- Meditate or practice progressive muscle relaxation.
- Seek support from loved ones.
- Set boundaries to reduce pressure on yourself.
What are the prospects for people with psychosomatic disorders?
Many people learn to control and reduce somatic pain symptoms over time. However, even with treatment, psychosomatic symptoms can come and go throughout life.
If you have been diagnosed with a psychosomatic disorder, ask your doctor:
- What causes these symptoms?
- How can I make them easier?
- Should I talk to a mental health professional?
- When should I see a doctor?
- How do I know if I'm in trouble?
- How often should I see my primary care provider?
- How can my family and friends help me?
Why psychosomatic medicine?
If you have an illness that doesn't respond well to conventional treatment, you may be eligible for psychosomatic testing. Symptoms can be different types of pain:
- Often headaches, back, stomach, joint pains, etc.
- Functional disorders (eg, constipation, diarrhea, shortness of breath, feeling hot or cold, heart palpitations, sexual dysfunction).
- Skin diseases (non-infectious skin inflammation called eczema, recurrent skin infections, acne),
- General symptoms (fatigue syndrome, chronic elevated temperature, weight gain or loss).
Generally, any physical symptom can be seriously affected by psychosocial factors. First, the patient must consider that conventional treatment does not relieve the symptoms, or that other doctors cannot even make a correct diagnosis (eg, all tests have been negative). These two conditions are commonly seen in patients who may benefit greatly from psychosomatic treatment.
Advice from doctors on psychosomatic disorder
A psychosomatic disorder is a psychological condition. It causes physical symptoms, usually without any other medical explanation or diagnosis. It can affect almost any part of the body. People with somatic symptoms often seek medical attention for testing and treatment. They tend to become increasingly anxious or worried.
It is important to know that somatic symptom disorder is not the same as "faking" or "exaggerating" symptoms. These are real and distressing symptoms, psychological in origin, not medical.
If you have persistent, unexplained symptoms, consult a health professional. Behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also help. They can also prevent unnecessary tests and treatments.
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