Psychosomatic disorders are diseases of internal organs and systems that arise as a result of mental disorder.
Psychotherapists say: any disease first arises in the subconscious and only then manifests itself at the level of the body. That is, most of our ailments are related to unresolved internal problems. The main psychological causes of ailments are anger, envy, anxiety and guilt.
Many scientists believe that 80% of all illnesses are actually psychosomatic. Our well-being depends on our thoughts, mood, ability to find and see positivity, beauty and enjoy it all. The state of health is connected with the ability to be happy, character traits, attitude to successes and failures at work, everyday problems.
Signs of psychosomatic disorders
Psychosomatic diseases are expressed in very diverse symptoms, both in their localization, intensity or frequency:
- Pain in different parts of the body (for example, head, back, chest, stomach, or joints);
- Respiratory problems (choking);
- ENT disorders: dizziness, deafness, tinnitus;
- Gastrointestinal disorders: peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, constipation or diarrhea;
- Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, arterial hypertension or heart attack;
- Urinary problems: irritable bladder, frequent and painful urination;
- Dermatologic disorders: eczema, psoriasis, warts, hair loss;
- Infectious diseases: herpes, shingles;
- Sexual disorders: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness;
- Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases: fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis ;
- Neurological disorders: migraine, paralysis, neuralgia, epilepsy.
People with psychosomatic disorders often suffer from mental illnesses such as depression.
A depressed psychological state can also lead to tonsillitis, bronchitis or nasopharyngitis because depletion of our mental resources causes fatigue and weakens the immune system.
There is a belief that even in babies, colic or stunted growth is associated with anxiety. The infant, unable to talk about his discomfort, expresses it differently with eczema, insomnia, asthma.
Causes of the onset and development of psychosomatic disorders
The exact cause of the development of psychosomatic disorder is unknown. Research suggests that the physical symptoms associated with psychological stress result from hyperactivity of nerve impulses sent from the brain to other parts of the body, which can cause adrenaline to be secreted into the bloodstream, leading to a state of anxiety.
This condition can be caused by a variety of factors:
- Genetics. Several studies claim that certain genetic abnormalities in humans can directly cause anxiety.
- Irregular biological states. Changes in glucose metabolism, serum amino acid levels can cause psychosomatic disorders.
- Influence of stress. People who experience stressful events such as trauma, abuse, frequent illness, fear, anger, guilt, insecurity, and other difficult situations are also susceptible to this disorder.
- Family circumstances. Absence of parents, and difficulties in the parent-child relationship are also major causes of psychosomatic disorders.
Statistically, psychosomatic disorders affect women more often than men – 38% vs. 26% respectively.
How to treat psychosomatic disorders
Psychosomatic disorders need to be treated on two levels:
– Treatment of physical symptoms with therapy directed at the symptoms of the original disease;
– Psychological or psychiatric treatment with psychotropic drugs in the most difficult cases.
1. Medical treatment
Appropriate medical treatment relieves psychosomatic symptoms. For this purpose, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-allergic drugs are prescribed depending on the signs of the disease.
Specialists prescribe different combinations of drugs based on the patient’s age, intensity of the disease, duration and susceptibility to treatment.
2. Psychological care and follow-up
Depending on the symptoms and health status of the patient, the causes of psychosomatic illness can be treated with therapy and regular follow-up with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
3. Complementary methods
Lifestyle adjustments are also recommended to reduce stress and anxiety: balanced diet, quality sleep, physical activity. Alternative methods of stress management can also help (relaxation, yoga, hypnosis, etc.).
- Yoga
Yoga includes meditation and relaxation exercises that can help manage psychosomatic disorders. Simple breathing exercises and asanas that will relax your mind can be done daily.
Yoga has a calming effect on the body and helps you realize and accept yourself and your surroundings. Experiments have shown that yoga is as effective as medication when it comes to psychosomatic disorders.
- Fasting therapy
Fasting therapy, well known in Japan, successfully alleviates both physical and psychological symptoms in patients with psychosomatic disorders. In this way the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system are regulated by abstaining from food. As a result, a balance of mental, and physical health is restored in the body.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
According to cognitive behavioral therapy, how we react to a situation depends largely on how we perceive it. A person’s thoughts are inextricably linked to their emotions, physical sensations, behavior, and environment. And it determines how people behave in a particular situation and how their thought process affects their physical state.
Prevention of psychosomatic illnesses
Stress reduction and management strategies can help prevent or reduce somatic symptoms. Examples include:
- Be realistic about what you can control and what you can’t.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
- Keep a journal to better understand your thoughts and feelings.
- Limit alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking.
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
- Meditate or practice progressive muscle relaxation.
- Seek support from loved ones.
- Set limits to reduce pressure on yourself.
Conclusion
Psychosomatic disorders highlight the profound connection between our mental and physical health. Psychological stress, unresolved emotions, and life experiences can manifest as physical symptoms, affecting various organs and systems in the body. While the exact causes are complex, addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of these disorders is essential for effective treatment. Medical intervention, psychological support, and complementary therapies such as yoga, fasting, and hypnosis can help manage and alleviate symptoms. Prevention, through stress management, self-awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of psychosomatic diseases. By understanding and treating the mind-body connection, individuals can achieve greater overall health and well-being.
