Psychosomatic illness

Psychosomatic Illness

A psychosomatic illness is a disease which involves both mind and body. Some physical diseases are thought to be particularly prone to be made worse by mental factors such as stress and anxiety. Your current mental state can affect how bad a physical disease is at any given time.

Definition

The term psychosomatic disorder is mainly used to mean "a physical disease that is thought to be caused, or made worse, by mental factors". The term is also used when mental factors cause physical symptoms but where there is no physical disease. For example, chest pain may be caused by stress and no physical disease can be found.

Causes

Psychosomatic illnesses may be caused by a variety of factors including stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. These mental health conditions can trigger physical symptoms in the body, leading to a psychosomatic illness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of psychosomatic illnesses can vary greatly depending on the individual and the specific mental health condition they are dealing with. However, common symptoms can include headache, stomach ache, chest pain, and fatigue.

Treatment

Treatment for psychosomatic illnesses often involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Psychotherapy can help individuals manage their stress and anxiety, while medication can help alleviate physical symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet can also play a crucial role in managing psychosomatic illnesses.

See also

• Psychosomatic medicine
• Somatoform disorder
• Conversion disorder
• Body dysmorphic disorder

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Somatic Symptom Disorder
• WebMD - What Are Psychosomatic Illnesses

Psychosomatic illness Resources
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