OVERVIEW
Psychosomatic refers to physical symptoms that are worsened or complicated by mental factors. A psychosomatic disorder happens when mental stress and distress cause or make a physical condition worse. Psycho means relating to the mind and somatic means relating to the body.
In psychosomatic disorder, physical symptoms typically accompany an emotional of psychological state, owing to the degree to which emotions and other psychological factors activate the involuntary nervous system and glands of internal secretion. Psychosomatic disorders can affect almost any part of the body, though they usually impact organs and body systems that are not under voluntary control such as the cardiovascular system and the digestive system.
Symptoms of psychosomatic disorders
The symptoms of a psychosomatic disorder vary based on the underlying physical condition, e.g., if you have diabetes, stress may raise your blood sugar levels or make them more difficult to manage:
Physical signs and symptoms of stress include:
- Sexual dysfunction
- high blood pressure
- headaches and dizziness
- Chest pain or a feeling like you hear is racing
- exhaustion or trouble sleeping
- Weakened immune system
Stress can also lead to emotional and mental symptoms
- anxiety and irritability
- Depression
- feeling overwhelmed
Causes
Psychosomatic disorders are caused by a combination of physiological factors and biological factors.
Physiological factors:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- personality disorders.
Biological factors:
- Age
- genetics
- sex
Management and treatment
There is no cure for psychosomatic disorder, but the symptoms can be managed through treatment. There are therapies that can be used to manage stresses and these include psychotherapy, mindfulness-based therapy and medications like antidepressants and anxiolytics.
Home remedies and lifestyle changes
There are strategies to reduce stress and manage it, which may help you prevent or lessen physical symptoms of the condition. The strategies include:
- get enough sleep
- exercise regularly
- set achievable goals
- journal your thoughts and feelings
- eat health food
- meditate or practice progressive muscle relaxation
- seek support from loved ones.
