Frequently Asked Questions about Psychosomatic Disorders

Psychosomatic disorder or somatic symptom disorder describes a worsening or creation of physical symptoms caused, at least in part, by an individual's state of mind. You may have heard stress can make you sick. Stress is scientifically proven to lower your immune system. As well, the condition can turn on the body's fight or flight response switch, and once this happens, it can be extremely difficult to ease the resulting anxiety or tension. Our brains can be a factor in many ailments such as chronic pain, fatigue, and the aggravation of lymph nodes.

Sohel_Parvez_Haque / Getty Images

Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms to fluctuate for a few reasons. Prominently, the human body is designed to respond to fear and agitation the way our ancestors did: fighting or fleeing. Even in our modern society, our bodies respond the same way to worrying stimuli. A panic attack is a good example of a psychosomatic issue.

shih-wei / Getty Images

While anyone can develop a psychosomatic illness, some factors can increase the likelihood. Because psychosomatic pain a psychological issue rather than physical, mental illness can make a person more susceptible. Other factors include personal disposition, environmental factors, family and biological influences, and learned behavior.

xubingruo / Getty Images

Some of the most common physical symptoms of psychosomatic attacks such as panic attacks are shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle weakness.

nzphotonz / Getty Images

If you are unsure whether you're experiencing psychosomatic symptoms -- if you have pain you cannot trace to a source, for instance -- speak to a doctor.  An internal condition may be causing your pain, or it could be psychosomatic. Getting an outside opinion can help put your fears to rest which, as mentioned, could alleviate some of your symptoms.

sturti / Getty Images

These days, it is easy to attempt an at-home diagnosis by searching your symptoms online. While this practice can be a place to start and arm you with questions to bring to your doctor, it is important to remember many symptoms are attributed to a wide range of conditions, from minor to severe. For some people with a psychosomatic illness, seeing the more serious possible conditions can exacerbate things.

FatCamera / Getty Images

A psychosomatic disorder is different than hypochondria, though, like the latter, the former can lead to severe anxiety about one's medical wellbeing. Basic anxiety can grow to become health anxiety, an anxiety disorder that describes an obsession with a perceived current or incoming medical condition.

RapidEye / Getty Images

The first step toward stopping pain and other psychosomatic symptoms is to recognize they are psychosomatic, caused by stress or anxiety, and that having stress or anxiety doesn't make you weak or broken. Mental illness can be as debilitating as physical illness, but accepting this less visible diagnosis is key to beginning treatment.

anyaberkut / Getty Images

Because of their link to the cognitive mind, the primary course of action to treat psychosomatic pain is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). This guided therapy can help patients come to terms with how their minds work, and how their behaviors can influence their lives and bodies. CBT teaches clients how to cope with their psychosomatic symptoms. The therapy isn't a magical cure, but regular and routine sessions help you to gain control.

ipopba / Getty Images

Combining CBT, medication, and at-home care techniques is a great way to combat a psychosomatic disorder. Experts recommend adopting some strategies to take your mind off the symptoms include keeping busy, practicing relaxation or meditation techniques, speaking with a physician, and avoiding negative or detrimental habits.

eldinhoid / Getty Images