Coping With Psychosomatic Disorder

What Is a Psychosomatic Disorder?

Psychosomatic disorder is a condition when there is no medical explanation for the physical symptoms experienced by the person. It is a psychological disorder that connects the mind to the body, wherein the physiological function is affected by psychological tensions. The disorder is also psycho-physiologic, as it impairs body functioning. The condition is often ignored as “all in the head.”, but the symptoms are genuine. The disorder can affect almost any body part, though usually found in systems that are not under voluntary control. Psychosomatic disorders highlight the link between mental and physical health. Emotional states, psychological pressures, and unresolved emotional conflicts can all have an impact on body systems and contribute to the start or worsening of physical symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Psychosomatic Disorder?

Psychosomatic disorder is familiar to about five to seven percent of the general population. It usually results from stress or anxiety. Experiencing symptoms of excessive thoughts, feelings, and behavior daily can interfere with daily life. Therefore, people with psychosomatic disorders visit health providers frequently to get tests and treatments.

Psychosomatic disorders can present with a wide range of symptoms since they are impacted by personal experiences, feelings, and underlying stress. The symptoms frequently resemble those of many different diseases, making evaluation and treatment difficult. Pain is a common sign of psychosomatic disorders and may occur in many locations across the body, including the head, neck, abdomen, back, and joints. Some symptoms a person with the psychosomatic disorder may experience include.

• Body aches.

• Fatigue.

• Hair loss.

• Pain.

• Temporary paralysis

• Insomnia.

• Migraine.

• Stomach upset.

• Weight changes.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• High blood pressure.

• Cognitive problems.

• Headaches.

• Cardiovascular symptoms (palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath).

What Causes Psychosomatic Disorders?

The etiology of a psychosomatic disorder can be very complex. Research has shown that stress and depression can exhibit physical pain and illness. Some people experience more of these psychosomatic symptoms. It may be attributed to certain risk factors, including;

• History of anxiety and depression.

• Experienced a recent traumatic event.

• History of childhood trauma.

• History of sexual abuse.

• Substance abuse.

• Unhealthy lifestyle.

• Genetically prone to be more sensitive to pain.

What Is the Role of Stress in Psychosomatic Disorder?

Stress-related illnesses are more likely to develop when the body is compromised. Therefore, it is vital to understand that one should recognize warning signs when it occurs. For example, a person who tends to strain the neck might experience increased pain when stressed. When under stress, our body releases certain chemicals, such as adrenaline, that help the body to prepare for the threat. However, producing too many chemicals can contribute to high blood pressure, low immunity, and impaired cognition. Depression can contribute to psychosomatic illness, significantly when the body's immune system has been affected due to chronic stress. In addition, specific somatic symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and change in appetite, may characterize depression.

How to Cope With Psychosomatic Disorder?

Understanding the cause of mental stress is essential to treat a psychosomatic disorder. Since it originates in the psyche, it is often difficult to diagnose. However, once identified, therapies may relieve psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, essential to healing the physical disease.

• Psychotherapy - Also known as talk therapy, involves an open-ended dialogue about a person's concerns. For example, the therapist may note the person's family life, social life, habits, relationships, childhood experiences, and history of medical conditions. Multiple sessions with the therapist may be required to develop an action plan for the treatment. Reaping the utmost benefits of psychotherapy, a person develops improved communication skills and healthier thinking patterns. Stronger family relationships, the ability to make better and healthier decisions, more significant insights about life, and the ability to cope with stress and manage distress.

• Psychoanalysis - The therapy is used to treat anxiety and depressive disorders. It tells us about the unconscious psychological forces within a person that is seen in everyday awareness. It includes an open conversation to uncover ideas and memories in the unconscious mind to the conscious mind. The unconscious mind contains deep mental processes that cannot be readily available to the conscious mind. Psychoanalysis helps a person take control of the past influences that have developed over the years and use them as an opportunity to use those influences to define their current life constructively.

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)- It is often the treatment of choice for people with psychosomatic disorders, as it guides them to learn new ways and provides them with a deeper understanding of their circumstances or condition. Cognitive behavior therapy helps the person reduce stress-related physical symptoms and learn to set realistic goals. In addition, the therapy helps to identify and change behaviors or thoughts that negatively affect their lives.

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - This technique guides the patients to participate in weekly meditation and yoga practices to reduce stress levels. The MBSR method effectively deals with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and addiction.

• Self-Guided Stress Management- It is the first step in coping with the psychosomatic disorder. Next, the person should try to reduce medically unexplained symptoms and improve the quality of life.

• Medication - The healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. Painkillers may be prescribed to provide symptomatic relief. Medical treatment may also be needed to treat conditions that are caused by chronic stress, such as changes in blood sugar levels and elevated blood pressure.

• Other Options - Improve overall health conditions by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking, engaging in deep breathing, regular exercise, meditation, getting enough sleep, seeking social support, and progressive muscle relaxation.

Conclusion:

People with psychosomatic disorders feel helpless as it affects their daily activities. Therefore, it is crucial to empower oneself to receive care and treatment. Learning to deal with stressful triggers is vital to having a positive outlook. Identifying the primary source of stress helps to cope with stressful situations. Engaging in healthy coping methods, such as relaxation techniques, taking breaks from stressful situations, being honest to self, and living a healthy lifestyle is the key to blissful living.