Psychosomatic disorders, consisting of the presence of physical symptoms of the condition without a clear medical cause. They result from a complex interaction of psychological and physiological factors.
Hippocrates already wrote about the influence of the psyche on the human body in the form of pain dysfunctions, and now, thanks to modern research methods, this relationship has been scientifically confirmed. Severe stress can cause many symptoms in many people, such as an upset stomach, which in time leads to more serious illnesses. Psychosomatic disorders can affect our lives, even without us being aware of it, and develop without our knowledge. It is only after a long time that it turns out that excessive stress, combined with many difficult emotions, has caused a disease, which can be, for example, hypertension or rheumatoid arthritis.
Why do psychosomatic disorders occur?
Psychosomatic disorders are caused by stress that has been present for too long and too much. This is because it then finds an outlet in physical form, through pain, conditions such as weakness, lowered immunity or illness.
Exceeding the so-called stress threshold initiates poorer functioning of the body. Excessive secretion of hormones (mainly adrenaline and noradrenaline), begins to produce initial psychosomatic symptoms, in the form of fatigue, upset stomach, body tremors or pain.
It turns out that emotions and tensions can play a role in the development of conditions such as migraines, anorexia, obesity and even asthma and cardiovascular disease. They also often cause severe exacerbations of existing diseases, such as diabetes or rheumatic joint disease.
Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, believed that strong traumatic events from childhood could have a role in the development of many conditions. In his view, paresis, anaesthesia, blindness, lack of sensation, pain, vomiting and hiccups could be defence mechanisms of the psyche,
We now know that health dysfunctions that occur as a result of traumatic experiences can lead, among other things, to so-called alexithymia, i.e. a lack of ability to recognise and name emotions. This phenomenon is often associated with their repression. Those affected are much more likely than others to suffer from depression, neurosis, anxiety and psychosomatic illnesses.
Reasons for psychosomatic disorders
Psychosomatic disorders can contribute to:
- prolonged exposure to high levels of stress. Strong emotions such as anxiety or anger can affect the functioning of the body and cause physical symptoms.
- individual personality traits. People with perfectionist and self-critical tendencies have been found to be more prone to psychosomatic disorders Patients with difficulties in coping with stress or characterised by a lack of ability to express emotions are also subject to them
- Trauma: Under its influence, psychosomatic disorders can also develop. This is because the body can react to traumatic experiences such as physical, psychological or sexual violence with the occurrence of such symptoms.
- genetic determinants. There are studies proving the influence of genotype on the occurrence of psychosomatic disorders. People with a family history of such disorders may be more susceptible to them.
- psychiatric disorders. Depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders can affect the appearance of psychosomatic symptoms.
Which psychosomatic illnesses are most common?
German psychoanalyst and physician Franz Alexander detailed the seven most common psychosomatic illnesses. These are:
- hypertension ...
- gastric ulcers.
- rheumatoid arthritis.
- asthma.
- colitis.
- hyperthyroidism.
- atopic dermatitis.
How to treat psychosomatic disorders?
To be effective, treatment of these conditions should go hand in hand with stress therapy. This is because if it is the cause of the illness, untreated it will cause further deterioration of the condition. In order to do this, it is first necessary to identify the factors that release stress, such as work or a toxic relationship or trauma experienced. The treatment of psychosomatic disorders should be two-pronged. They should be treated on both a physical and a psychological level. Methods affecting the psyche include: psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or the use of appropriate relaxation techniques.
