Somatization disorder

Description somatization disorder

Patients with somatization disorder are constantly and for many years suffered from many physical symptoms, for which there are no objective reasons, they can not deliver specific diagnosis, which may explain their symptoms. Nonetheless, These symptoms cause distress and may adversely affect the daily life.

If you suspect, that you have this disorder, consult your doctor for further examination.

Reasons for somatization disorder

The cause is not known somatic disorders.

There is no disease, which could explain the symptoms, so upset, believed, due to the mental and emotional (psychological) causes. Often, the symptoms get worse during stressful circumstances or in relation to emotional suffering (eg, loss of a friend, Stress at work), that is, stressful life situations are experienced physically.

Researchers believe, that a role in the emergence of disorders may also play:

• Генетика – расстройство может передаваться в семье;
• Психосоциальная причина – возникновение расстройства соматизации может быть связано с целым рядом факторов, that include mental and emotional well-being and environment.

Risk factors for somatization disorder

The physical suffering of people with physical disorders usually begin closer to 30, but can also begin in adolescence. Patients may suffer them for many years, and it often leads to many unnecessary medical examinations and treatment.

Factors, which increase the likelihood of developing somatization disorder:

• Low social class with little education;
• Пол – расстройство чаще встречается у женщин;
• Личностные факторы – лица более склонные к развитию этого заболевания, very emotional (так называемая “театральность”);
• Люди с антисоциальным расстройством личности, addiction, anxiety, depressed or having a panic disorder;
• Most can occur in persons, who are unable to express their emotional distress through language (due to neurological disorders or mental development).

Symptoms of somatization disorder

People with somatization disorder complain about many physical illnesses, are associated with different parts of the body. The diagnosis of somatic disorders requires more symptoms (at least three) for a considerable amount of time (at least two years).

Symptoms include:

• Симптомы боли – они включают боль, is tested in any part of the body, including:
  • Headache;
  • Backache;
  • Joint pain;
  • Chest pain;
  • Irregular heartbeat;
  • Pain in the hands and feet;
  • Pain in the vagina or penis during intercourse;
  • Pain with urination;
• Желудочно-кишечные симптомы – к ним относятся любые проблемы, but pain in the stomach or intestine, including:
  • Nausea;
  • Swelling;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhea;
• Сексуальные симптомы – к ним относятся любые проблемы, but pain, sexual or reproductive system, including:
  • The inability to maintain an erection (men);
  • Irregular periods (female);
  • Excessive menstrual bleeding (female);
• Neurological symptoms, which include:
  • Withdrawal from the psychological balance;
  • Paralysis;
  • Weakness;
  • Swallowing problems;
  • Aphonia;
  • Inability to control urination;
  • Delusions and hallucinations;
  • Loss of sensation;
  • Unable to feel pain;
  • Amnesia (memory loss);
  • Blacking-out;
  • Temporary deafness;
  • Seizures.

People with physical disorders:

• Complain about their symptoms are very dramatic way, but describe them very vague or unclear terms;
• Visited by more than one doctor for diagnosis and treatment of the same symptoms.

It is important to understand, that a person with somatization disorder are not faking or pretending that experiencing physical problems.

Diagnosis of somatization disorder

There is no specific test, to determine, whether or not a person is sick somatic disorders.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, Mental Health, perform a physical examination. For a doctor, it is important to rule out other diagnoses, which is sometimes wrongly diagnosed as somatic disorders, including multiple sclerosis, lupus and other endocrine (hormonal) disease.

If the doctor does not find anything serious after these tests, He may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Treatment of somatization disorder

Цель лечения – контролировать симптомы и должным образом реагировать на различные социальные ситуации. It is important to have a long-term relationship with your doctor, who should be empathetic and caring if you have questions.

Treatment options include the following:

• Психотерапия – вы будете работать с психиатром, psychologist, Social Worker, to find out, how to solve a stressful or painful issues;
• Когнитивная поведенческая терапия – консультант по психическому здоровью сосредоточится на практических способах, allowing to cope with the symptoms;
• Прием лекарств – иногда рекомендуется принимать антидепрессанты (preparations, that relieve depression). If there is an alarm, may be prescribed drugs, that relieve anxiety.

Prevention somatization disorder

To date, no known ways of preventing somatic disorders. To reduce the risk of developing somatic disorders, Follow these steps::

• It is necessary to reduce the amount of stress in your life;
• We need to be aware of their psychological and emotional health;
• Maintain an open and good relationship with your doctor.