What Are Psychosomatic Symptoms? Understanding Their Impact on Mental Health
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When someone is not feeling well, they may not want to be told their symptoms are psychosomatic. For many people, the term psychosomatic symptoms has connotations akin to "imaginary." You might feel brushed off and disrespected if you are told your symptoms aren't authentic or valid. If you feel you are told your symptoms aren't authentic or valid, you might feel brushed off and disrespected. However, a new definition of psychosomatic symptoms is emerging as scientists explore the mind-body connection.
Medical doctors and mental health professionals may also change how they view psychosomatic symptoms. Both psychological stress and biological factors can influence your health, and psychosomatic symptoms can be as crucial to address as physical symptoms. Additionally, many mental health conditions and concerns can cause real physical health problems.
What is somatic symptom disorder?
What are psychosomatic symptoms? Headaches, high blood pressure, and more
Psychosomatic symptoms are physical symptoms that individuals can feel but have no direct connection with any medical condition. These symptoms could feel so real and can even include hypertension, headaches, and fatigue. Psychosomatic symptoms can be signs of underlying mental health issues, so it's important to check with your therapist right away to get proper guidance on how to cope with them.
Signs of somatic symptom disorder
Significant emotional and physical distress may be present with somatic symptom disorder. While each individual's experience may be different, there are some common psychosomatic symptoms of this condition, including the following:
- Specific sensations, such as shortness of breath or pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Constant worry about potential illness
- A tendency to think that anything with a physical cause is life-threatening or harmful
- Doubts about the adequacy of a recent medical evaluation or treatment
- A tendency to repeatedly check the body for abnormalities
- Frequent medical visits that don't relieve concerns or worsen them
- A severe impairment that would be associated with a medical condition, although there is no supporting diagnosis
Suppose you believe you may be experiencing signs of a psychosomatic disorder. In that case, you might seek medical care or the support of a healthcare provider or mental health professional who can provide a diagnosis and help you explore psychosomatic treatment options.
Diagnostic criteria
The DSM-5 outlines several diagnostic criteria for psychosomatic disorder. Each of the criteria must be met for diagnosis. The criteria include the following:
- Four pain symptoms in any main area of the body
- Two or more gastrointestinal concerns
- One sexual or reproductive symptom, such as irregular menstrual cycles
- One pseudo neurological symptom, such as dizziness, headaches, weakness, or numbness
Additionally, the psychosomatic symptoms must not be explained by a diagnosable medical condition; if a diagnosable medical condition exists, they must be more excessive or intense than expected based on testing or laboratory findings.
If the psychosomatic symptoms are feigned or produced on purpose by an individual, they may meet the criteria for factitious disorder instead.
Causes
The exact cause of psychosomatic disorders may vary. However, some of the following factors might have a role in the development of psychosomatic illness:
- Genetic and biological factors contributing to increased sensitivity to pain
- Difficulty processing emotional issues
- Learned behaviors resulting in symptoms of psychosomatic symptom disorder
- Attachment difficulties
Risk factors
The risk factors for psychosomatic disorder include but are not limited to:
- A stressful event, such as trauma
- A low level of education
- Lower socioeconomic status
- A history of anxiety or depression
- A family history of chronic or terminal illness
- A mental health condition, like a personality disorder
Medical conditions that may have a psychological component
While not all medical conditions are caused by mental health concerns, stress may worsen some. If you're experiencing any of the following medical conditions or psychosomatic symptoms and begin to feel emotional or mental strain, you might make an appointment with a healthcare provider for an evaluation. The conditions and symptoms include:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Skin disorders, such as psoriasis or eczema
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as stomach ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Heart disease
- Heart palpitations
Many physical diseases or conditions, such as the ones listed above, may be made worse by mental factors. Additionally, studies show a connection between stress, trauma, and physical illness.
Are somatic symptoms harmful?
Psychosomatic symptoms can feel real to the person experiencing them. Additionally, the psychosomatic symptoms may be real. For example, headaches, menstrual pain, and high blood pressure can have physical complications. The long-term effects of psychosomatic symptoms can also be severe. For example, psychosomatic disorder may be associated with the following:
- Failed relationships
- Loss of employment
- Financial difficulty related to loss of employment or excessive medical attention
- Development of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression
- Increased suicide risk related to depression
Prevention, treatment, and mental health support for psychosomatic disorder
It may be challenging to prevent psychosomatic symptoms. However, recognizing when you are feeling stressed and how your body responds may help prevent them. It can be helpful to learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to address these symptoms. In addition, take care of your body by eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, avoiding substance abuse, and getting enough sleep.
If you're experiencing anxiety or depression or feel unable to process emotions associated with the psychosomatic symptoms you are feeling, you might discuss your concerns with your primary care provider. They may review your medical history and make recommendations for care regarding your medical symptoms, in addition to providing a referral regarding the psychosomatic symptoms you're experiencing.
How do we know a symptom is somatic?
Visiting a doctor may still be beneficial if you're experiencing distressing symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, upset stomach, fever, or extreme pain. Emergencies can occur to anyone, so ensuring you are healthy may benefit you if you're concerned. However, if you frequent doctors' offices or hospitals or use medical care as a compulsion, consider partaking in a few coping mechanisms at home before deciding whether to make an appointment or go to your local hospital.
Additionally, note that panic attack symptoms can feel like a medical emergency. Those experiencing panic disorder may have frequent panic attacks, which can show as distressing physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid pulse, sweating, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and pain. Often, panic attacks are temporary. If you find that your symptoms subside after you are distracted or have a self-care activity to work on, it may be that you were experiencing psychosomatic symptoms.
Although mental health conditions may cause somatic symptoms or stress, you are valid and not alone. You are not "crazy.” Psychosomatic symptoms can be painful, distressing, and stressful. If you are experiencing them, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional for support.
Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard treatment for psychosomatic symptoms. According to the American Psychiatric Association, CBT can involve helping patients learn new ways of coping with and solving problems while they gain a deeper understanding of their physical and mental health conditions. With CBT, patients may learn to set realistic goals and identify and change behaviors that have a negative impact on their physical and emotional well-being. It may also work to identify the psychological causes of mental health conditions such as childhood trauma or other experiences.
Individual counseling can be facilitated in a counselor or therapist's office, local mental health clinic, or online. If you are unsure about in-person sessions, you might opt for online counseling through a platform like BetterHelp. A licensed therapist may assist you through several treatment methods, such as CBT, which research shows as effective as in-person treatment when provided online.
Takeaway
Psychosomatic symptom disorder can have far-reaching effects on an individual's physical and mental health. As frustrating as symptoms may be, help may be available. Working through your mental health and stress with beneficial techniques from a licensed therapist may also reduce your physical symptoms. Consider taking the first step by reaching out to a compassionate counselor.
What does psychosomatic mean?
Psychosomatic is when bodily symptoms are caused by, or exacerbated by psychological disturbance. The mind and body are closely connected, and psychological factors can affect almost any part of the body.
A psychosomatic disorder occurs when emotional or psychological issues lead to real physical symptoms in the body. These symptoms aren't imagined—they are often the result of how mental factors like anxiety or emotional trauma affect the body's systems. For example, someone under chronic stress might develop physical ailments such as headaches or stomach pain without an underlying medical condition. This mind-body link shows how mental factors can disturb normal function in multiple body systems, including the nervous system. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, these conditions fall under a category where emotional distress leads to bodily symptoms. Individuals may even show different symptoms depending on the kind of stress they're experiencing. When symptoms cause major distress, it's a sign the person may need support. A healthcare provider can assess both emotional and physical health to guide treatment.
Can anxiety cause psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches and high blood pressure?
Anxiety can trigger psychosomatic disorder symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, and trembling—common physical signs of intense stress. In many cases, people with anxiety develop an extreme focus on their physical state, which can make their symptoms worse. This is especially true when an individual has a history of mental illness, which can interact with mental disorders and amplify physical sensations. Long-term chronic stress may increase your body’s stress levels, keeping it in a constant state of alertness. A healthcare provider might recommend talk therapy to address the root emotional causes of such situations. This type of therapy can improve awareness and help individuals manage stress and reduce their physical discomfort.
What are some examples of psychosomatic disorders?
Some examples of psychosomatic disorders include:
- Flare-ups of pre-existing digestive issues like Crohn’s disease or IBS
- Difficult to manage blood sugar levels for a diabetic
- Chest pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Racing heart
- Headaches or body aches
- Weakened immune system
- Sexual dysfunction
An example of a psychosomatic disorder is someone who gets stomach pain from stress, even when medical tests show nothing is wrong. These problems can happen when chronic stress makes other health issues worse. Another example is when mental factors lead to migraines or muscle pains that feel like an injury. Many individuals seek help from a healthcare provider because they don’t realize how much their disease is influenced by emotional strain. Symptoms can shift—one day, it’s chest pain; the next, it’s fatigue—making it hard to treat. Depending on how much stress someone carries, these different symptoms may appear, especially since long-term stress can affect the nervous system and make the body hypersensitive.
Can you cure psychosomatic illness?
You can treat psychosomatic illness through therapy and, in certain cases, a combination of therapy and prescription medications like antidepressants or anxiolytics.
Treating a psychosomatic disorder often means working on both mental and physical health. Many people feel better with talk therapy, which helps them understand the emotional causes of their symptoms. Lowering stress levels and calming the nervous system can also help improve how they feel. A healthcare provider might also suggest lifestyle changes or medication, especially if the person is living with another mental illness.
How do you tell if pain is psychosomatic or a sign of an underlying mental health condition?
To tell if pain is related to a psychosomatic disorder or an underlying emotional issue, a healthcare provider will usually begin with a full check-up to rule out physical causes. If there is no clear disease, the doctor may ask about mental illness or emotional strain. Often, the pain is very real—but the cause lies in how mental factors like stress or anxiety affect the body. High levels of stress can lead to symptoms that feel exactly like serious physical problems. When patients experience stress regularly, they may begin to notice patterns regarding when their pain appears. These are often seen as physical effects of psychological struggles, and distinguishing between the two can help ensure people get the proper support. If necessary, mental health professionals may screen for psychological issues that could be contributing to these experiences.
Because stress is subjective, there are no specific criteria that a medical practitioner can use to diagnose psychosomatic illness. Psychosomatic medicine includes testing for medical conditions, and determining whether stress can affect the symptoms of these illnesses. A doctor may recommend certain stress management techniques to help with symptoms or may refer the patient to a therapist.
Is asthma psychosomatic?
Asthma attacks may be triggered by or exacerbated by stress, and there is a strong link between anxiety and asthma symptoms. It was initially identified as a “nervous condition” and was listed as a psychosomatic condition in medical journals in the 1930s. Later research discovered several biological processes behind the condition, and researchers moved away from that view. However, in recent years, many researchers have returned to viewing asthma as a condition caused by anxiety and stress, with the caveat that it is not a nervous condition in all cases.
Asthma is not always a psychosomatic disorder, but in some cases, stress impacts how often attacks happen. Some patients with asthma are also diagnosed with anxiety or depression, which may worsen their breathing. Conditions like asthma are not purely psychological, but mental state can influence how the body reacts. The Cleveland Clinic and other reputable sources note that asthma can have emotional and physical triggers. It’s important to look at how the disease behaves differently in each person.
What's the difference between psychosomatic disorder and hypochondria?
Psychosomatic is when symptoms are caused or worsened by stress, and the person may actually have a disease that is affected by emotional factors. Illness anxiety disorder or hypochondriasis, on the other hand, refers to excessive worrying that you are, or may become seriously ill, even without a confirmed disease. These two conditions can overlap, but they don’t always.
People with a psychosomatic disorder may feel real pain or symptoms, even if there's no medical cause. This is different from someone who's overly focused on getting a serious disease. Both may experience stress, but how it shows up in the body is different. A person with hypochondria may not believe they're healthy, even after being told otherwise. Some are also diagnosed with anxiety disorders that influence how they view their health.
While there are quizzes and other resources online that may help a person pinpoint these challenges, the best way to determine how your mental health impacts your physical health is to talk to a professional.
What is psychosomatic interaction?
This term is used to describe when there is a link between physical symptoms and psychological factors. This interaction suggests that an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings can affect physical health.
A psychosomatic disorder causes real physical symptoms because of a person’s mental state or emotions. It can affect the brain, heart, and other body parts. For example, stress impacts how the body reacts and can look like signs of heart disease. Even without a clear disease, someone can still feel sick because of how the mind and body are connected.
What is the difference between psychosomatic and psychogenic?
Psychogenic symptoms stem entirely from psychological disorders or emotional stress, while psychosomatic symptoms are those that have an underlying physical sources, but are exacerbated by psychological factors.
While psychogenic symptoms come from emotional causes alone, a psychosomatic disorder involves both a physical and emotional side. The person may have a real disease, but emotions can make the symptoms worse. This shows how much our mental state can change how illness feels or behaves.
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