What is a psychosomatic disorder?
Psychosomatic disorder is a psychological condition involving the occurrence of physical symptoms, usually lacking a medical explanation. People with this condition may have excessive thoughts, feelings or concerns about the symptoms — which affects their ability to function well.
People with psychosomatic disorder usually don’t report overt symptoms of psychiatric distress. Instead, they believe their problems are caused by medical conditions. They tend to visit healthcare providers frequently to get tests and treatments, often not receiving a diagnosis, which may lead to frustration and distress.
Psychosomatic disorder is sometimes called somatic symptom disorder, somatic symptoms or somatic pain.
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How common is somatic symptom disorder?
Somatic symptom disorder is common, occurring in about 5% to 7% of the general population. For reasons that are not understood, women have somatic pain about 10 times more often than men.
Who might have somatic symptoms?
Anyone can have somatic symptoms at any age.
Studies have found that certain things may make people more likely to have somatic symptoms:
- Chaotic lifestyle.
- Difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions.
- Childhood neglect.
- History of sexual abuse.
- Other psychological conditions, such as depression or personality disorders.
- Substance abuse (such as alcoholism or drug addiction).
- Unemployment.
How can psychosomatic disorder affect my body?
Psychosomatic disorder can affect almost any part of the body. Common examples include:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Aches and pains, such as muscle pain or back pain.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Trouble breathing (dyspnea, or shortness of breath).
- Indigestion (upset stomach).
- Headaches and migraines.
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence).
- Skin rash (dermatitis).
- Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease).
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What causes psychosomatic symptoms?
Scientists aren’t sure. Some believe that stress releases hormones and chemicals in the body that cause damage or dysfunction.
What are the symptoms?
In addition to the somatic symptom itself (for example, pain or upset stomach), people with psychosomatic disorder often:
- Become angry or irritable because they believe their medical needs aren’t being met.
- Get depressed or anxious.
- Visit healthcare providers frequently, often jumping from one physician to another.
- Experience difficulties functioning at work, school or socially.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How is psychosomatic disorder diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can begin to diagnose psychosomatic disorder based on:
- History of visits to healthcare providers.
- Physical exam.
