Let’s face it. The body-mind connection cannot be understated. Whatever goes on in your mind significantly affects how well you feel at a physical level. Thus, your bodily health is linked with your emotional one, far more than you might think. At times, psychological disorders give rise to physical disorders or vice versa. A Psychosomatic disorder is a physical illness that has a psychological cause. In other words, they’re caused by stress or anxiety in your daily life, not necessarily by physical disease or condition.
To shed further light on the topic, let’s dive into what Psychosomatic illnesses are, their symptoms and possible treatment options.
What is A Psychosomatic Illness?
It’s all in the name! The word ‘Psychosomatic’ is composed of two words – ‘Psyche’ signifying mind and ‘Soma’ signifying body. So simply put, psychosomatic illness is a medical condition that has a mental cause, i.e. it involves both the body and the mind.
Psychosomatic illnesses are physical illnesses, but the symptoms of the illness may be caused by stress or emotions rather than by a physical problem in the body. Such a condition can also be considered a mental disorder with physical symptoms.
Psychosomatic symptoms are typically triggered by stressful events that occur during childhood or adolescence. So, for example, someone who experienced abuse as a child might develop symptoms of psychosomatic disorder later in life after experiencing similar traumatic events or situations.
What Are the Symptoms of a Psychosomatic Disorder?
Psychosomatic disorders can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Some of the most common include headache, stomachache, backache and fatigue.
A person with a psychosomatic illness may also experience:
- Dizziness
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Disturbed sleep
- Nausea
- Muscle pains
- Anger or irritability
- Constipation
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
More of the psychosomatic disorder symptoms include:
- Digestive issues and gas
- Lack of focus/concentration
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Brain fog
- Chronic aches
- Sweaty palms
- Bloated stomach
- Mood swings
How Is a Psychosomatic Illness Diagnosed?
Psychosomatic disorders are not always easy to diagnose because they are similar to other physical conditions. In addition, symptoms can vary depending on the person suffering from them.
A person might have different types of psychosomatic symptoms at different times in their life or even within one day. For example, Inner ear problems that cause dizziness may be psychosomatic if you feel like you’re going to pass out when someone yells at you.
A doctor will diagnose psychosomatic illness based on a combination of physical and mental symptoms. For instance, if you have pain, it’s crucial to get a thorough examination to determine its cause.
If there are no underlying physical causes, your doctor may ask you whether you’ve been under stress lately or if something has been bothering you recently. The key is to look for stressors in your life that could be causing the pain and then find ways to manage them.
How Is a Psychosomatic Illness Treated?
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of somatic disorders. And you will need to see a mental health professional for treatment.
If you observe symptoms where the underlying cause of physical disorders is emotional or psychological, your doctor will likely recommend psychotherapy as part of your treatment plan. Your Psychologist/Therapist may also suggest that you try meditation or yoga as a way to reduce stress levels. He/she can help you identify the exact source of your stress. Plus, they can devise & suggest ways to manage your underlying feelings so that they don’t aggravate your symptoms.
It’s important to note that successful treatment of a somatic disorder with psychotherapy alone is rare—and can be tough because the symptoms are so real and persistent. In addition, many people with these illnesses also need medication in order for their symptoms to fully resolve.
How to Prevent or Cope with Psychosomatic Illness
There are many types of psychosomatic disorders. While challenging to cope with and treat, psychosomatic illness can be prevented or managed to a certain extent. Here are some ways to prevent or cope with psychosomatic illness.
Self-care: It is important for maintaining good health and reducing symptoms of psychosomatic illnesses. Important aspects of self-care include:
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Practice positive self-talk
- Staying hydrated
- Indulge in a skincare routine
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep at night and during the day (a nap is okay)
- Meditating regularly
- Talking to friends and family members about what’s going on in your life that may be causing stress (not hiding things from them)
- Journaling about how you’re feeling emotionally/mentally so that you don’t bottle it up inside yourself, which could make things worse for you later on down the line (this might also mean writing down positive affirmations)
- Doing things that make you happy, like watching movies or listening to music
The point here is to take care of yourself first! More such things that you can do to cope with Psychosomatic illnesses are:
- Being kind and doing something nice for someone
- Limiting smoking and alcohol intake
- Cutting back on caffeine and sugar
- Engaging in recreational activities
- Knowing what you can and cannot control
- Joining a support group
- Taking a break from overwhelming tasks
- Letting go of negative thinking patterns and grudges
When Should You See a Doctor About Psychosomatic Illness or Disorders?
Suppose you are persistently feeling uneasy & discomfort in your body and the surrounding environment. Or if there are thoughts and behaviour patterns that are disturbing your efficiency, creating chaos at work or home, then you must take support from a Therapist to deal with these issues.
If you have been worried about the cost of treatment or the side effects of treatment, it is important to talk this over with your doctor.
Seek Treatment for Mental Health Conditions at Amandeep Hospitals
Psychosomatic illnesses are real, and they do not go away on their own. If you think you might have a psychosomatic disorder, it’s important to seek help from a licensed therapist who can diagnose and treat the condition.
Amandeep Hospital is a premier healthcare centre in the region that offers multi-faceted services to patients. Our proficient and highly qualified Counseling Psychologist, Prabhleen Kaur, can help you overcome your mental health conditions & enhance emotional wellbeing in a comfortable way. Known for her dedication and empathy, she creates a safe & confidential environment for patients to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic disorders.
So, if you or someone you love or know is struggling with a psychological condition, visit Amandeep Hospital or book an appointment. Get in touch with us today