Physical Symptoms without organic cause
Somatic symptoms disorder is a mental disorder that causes one or more physical symptoms. This disorder is sometimes called somatization, which means “to have symptoms of a mental or emotional problem expressed in bodily ways, such as pain or other sensations.” Symptoms may include unexplained pain, unexplained nausea, vomiting, dizziness and lightheadedness (paresthesias), muscle weakness (paralysis), trouble breathing (dyspnea), heart palpitations (tachycardia), and chest pain (angina).
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions. For example, heart disease can cause palpitations; arthritis may cause joint pain; pregnancy can cause nausea, and menopause may cause hot flashes. Psychiatric services include hospitals, outpatient clinics, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers.
what is somatic disorder?
Soma (body) + tic (symptom) = somatic.
Somatic symptoms disorder is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of one or more physical symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in functioning. Symptoms can be major, such as chest pain or dizziness, or minor, like sore throat and muscle aches. In contrast to the common cold, which brings with it only mild discomfort and fatigue until its conclusion after a week or so of rest, individuals with Sdd are often unable to work due to disabling physical symptoms for weeks at a time.
What Causes Somatic Symptoms Disorder?
The exact cause of somatic symptoms disorder is unknown. However, several factors may play a role in its development.
These factors include:
- Mental illness. Although they don’t seem related on the surface, mental health problems like depression and anxiety have been linked to some forms of Sdd. Researchers believe this may be because people with anxiety or depression are more likely to notice bodily sensations and interpret them negatively (see below). It’s also possible that these conditions make it harder for you to cope with everyday stressors in your life—which could lead you down the path toward somatic symptoms disorder.
- Stress. When you’re feeling stressed out by work or school, family responsibilities, and other sources of pressure in your life, your body goes into overdrive releasing hormones such as cortisol that rev up your metabolism and increase blood flow throughout your body—and even affect how well you think about things. But when these changes happen too often or last too long without relief from stressors at home or work, they can start taking a toll on both physical health and emotional well-being; eventually leading people down the path toward developing Sdd.
Who Gets Somatic Symptoms Disorder?
- Sdd is more common in women than men.
- Sdd is more common in people who have a history of anxiety and/or depression.
- People with somatic symptoms disorder are also at risk of having PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
- A history of trauma can put you at risk for developing somatic symptoms disorder, including physical abuse sexual abuse emotional abuse neglect self-injury suicide attempts military veteran status
How Is Somatic Symptoms Disorder Diagnosed?
- You may be diagnosed with somatic symptoms disorder if you have persistent, unexplained pain or other symptoms that don’t appear related to any physical condition.
- A doctor will ask about your medical history, family history, and medications you take.
Complications
Symptoms of a Somatic Symptoms Disorder (Sdd) can be serious and include heart attack, stroke, and even death. The condition can also lead to further mental health problems. Somatic symptoms disorder can be treated with psychotherapy but it is important to continue treatment even if the symptoms go away so that future physical or mental health problems can be prevented.
It is always best for people who experience these types of conditions to see their doctor regularly and discuss any new or changing physical symptoms they may have been experiencing recently
How Is Somatic Symptoms Disorder Treated?
Treatment for somatic symptoms disorder is similar to treatment for other anxiety disorders. The most common form of treatment is medication, and psychotherapy (talk therapy) also may be helpful.
You may find that you benefit from engaging in alternative therapies such as hypnosis or support groups in which people with SED share their experiences and provide encouragement.
Exercise can help reduce stress by increasing oxygen flow to your body’s tissues, which helps them function normally. It also helps control anxiety through its impact on neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine — chemicals naturally produced by your brain that affect moods and emotions (see “What Is Depression?”).
If you prefer not getting exercise outside of your home or would like something more structured than simply walking around the block every day at lunchtime because it doesn’t seem like enough time this week due to work deadlines looming overhead; then consider joining an indoor cycling class at a nearby gym — classes usually last about 45 minutes long so make sure you’re mentally prepared beforehand (no phones allowed because they distract people from focusing during class).
Somatic symptoms disorder (SSD) is a mental disorder
It’s also known as somatization disorder, somatoform disorder, and illness anxiety disorder.
Somatic symptoms are associated with emotional distress or psychological factors. The way you feel about your body can affect how you function physically. For example, if you’re depressed, it’s common to think about how tired you are all the time—and then act tired even when there’s no reason for it (like staying in bed). Likewise, stress can cause muscle tension that leads to painful headaches and stomach aches.
SSD involves physical complaints that aren’t linked to an underlying medical condition but cause significant distress to the person with SSD (the patient), sometimes interfering with their ability to function normally in everyday life activities such as schoolwork or work obligations at home due to constant attention towards their health concerns which may include frequent visits doctor appointments multiple medications prescribed by different specialists who do not agree on diagnosis treatment plan recommended by each one causes additional anxiety self-medication using drugs alcohol overindulging dieting excessively exercising avoiding exercise altogether
Conclusion
These symptoms can include headaches, stomach pain, nausea, and dizziness. The exact cause of SSD is unknown but it’s most likely related to the way people perceive their bodies or the way they respond to certain situations.