Psychosomatic Diseases
It is usually defined as a diffuse, vague, very unpleasant feeling of fear and apprehension. The anxious person worries a lot, particularly about unknown dangers. Anxiety is the commonest psychiatric symptom in clinical practice and anxiety disorders are one of the commonest psychiatric disorders in general population.
The ability to tolerate anxiety varies among people, and determining what constitutes abnormal anxiety can be difficult. However, when anxiety occurs at inappropriate times or is so intense and long-lasting that it interferes with a person’s normal activities, then it is properly considered a disorder. Anxiety disorders can be so distressing and interfere so much with a person’s life that they can lead to depression.
The disorders in this category include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobic Disorder.
Impact
on the body
When a person is angry his blood pressure elevates with pulse and respiratory rate but when it passes away these physiological changes usually subside. But in case of chronic rage the angry state persists causing a physiological dysfunction.
Some study reveals mental stress associated with physical disorders are due to hyper activities of neurons causing nerve impulses sent from brain to other body parts causing increase in secretion of adrenaline in blood leading to a state of anxiety. Some examples to show how psychological factor can affect a medical condition are patients’ type 2 diabetic condition is worsened by hypertension caused due to stress, different studies suggest psychological stress can increase a tumor’s ability to spread and grow, hence aggravating the cancer, different skin disorders like Psoriasis, Eczema also tend to aggravate due to mental stress.
Medical conditions that arise due to
Psychosomatism
- Hypertension
- Heart disease associated arteriosclerosis
- Respiratory problem
- Gastro problem
- Migraine
- Headache
- Dermatitis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Stomach peptic ulcer
Psychosomatic
Vulnerability
Studies recommend certain habits or issues make someone more likely to psychosomatic symptoms such as
- Genetics – Studies reveal particular genetic change may lead to this condition.
- Chaotic lifestyle or substance abuse or previous sexual abuse.
- Mental stress such as depression, personality disorder, fear, depression, anger,insecurities and many more into the list surely adds up to cause for this disorder.
- Unemployment and family problems.
Psychosomatic
Treatment
Several treatments are available to treat physical symptoms but it should be treated as a whole considering mental issues as well. Some treatments such as below can be used to treat patients.
- Behavior therapy such as Cognitive behavior therapy.
- Combination of drug therapies medication including anti depressant.
- Psychoanalysis by psychiatrists or psychologist.
- Mindfulness-based therapy.
Auxiliary
Treatment
- Exercises: Physical activity benefits both physical and mental health in patients with psychosomatic conditions by alleviating psychiatric and social challenges.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Implementing changes in one’s daily routine, such as reducing caffeine consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, incorporating vitamin supplements, and abstaining from alcohol and smoking, can also provide a degree of relief from anxiety.
- Yoga: In individuals dealing with mental health issues, techniques such as pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation prove highly effective in alleviating stress. By holding the breath, muscles are tensed, temporarily pushing aside stress, fear, and other emotional factors. Extending this practice impacts the thoughts and emotions of psychosomatic patients positively.
Psychosomatic Diseases
Categories
It can generally be categorized into three groups.
In the first category, individuals experience both mental and physical illnesses, with symptoms and management of one condition complicating the other.
The second category involves individuals who develop mental health issues as a result of their medical condition and its treatment. For instance, some patients may become depressed while undergoing cancer treatment.
The third category is known as somatoform disorders, where individuals with mental illness exhibit one or more physical symptoms even when there is no associated medical condition.
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