What is Somatization Disorder?

What is Somatization Disorder?

Somatization disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which a person experiences persistent and prolonged physical complaints. These complaints cannot be explained by a medical cause and often have a negative impact on a person's life. The symptoms of somatization disorder are similar to physical ailments, but they have no medical cause. These symptoms may include: pain, fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, skin problems and other physical ailments.

Somatization disorder is also called somatic symptom disorder and also somatoform disorder. If a person is experiencing such symptoms, it is important that they work with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist to establish an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What are the Symptoms of Somatization Disorder?

Somatization disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which a person experiences persistent and recurrent physical complaints. These symptoms cannot be explained by a medical cause and can negatively affect a person's life. Symptoms of somatization disorder can be the following:

Pain in constant and changing body parts: The person often feels pain and the location of these pains can change constantly.

Headaches: Severe headaches, migraine-like headaches or constant mild headaches can be common.

Digestive problems: Stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or other digestive problems may occur.

Neurological symptoms: Neurological symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tremors, etc. may occur.

Respiratory problems: You may experience shortness of breath or a feeling of chest tightness.

Skin problems: Skin problems such as itching, rashes or burning sensation.

Insomnia: Sleep problems, insomnia and fatigue can often accompany the condition.

Other physical complaints: Toothache, muscle pain, palpitations, hearing loss, vision problems and other types of complaints may also occur.

These symptoms can vary from person to person and often have a serious impact on a person's quality of life. To make a diagnosis of somatization disorder, an assessment is required in which medical causes are carefully excluded and symptoms are linked to psychological stress or conflict.

Causes of Somatization Disorder

The exact causes of somatization disorder are not fully understood, but there are some potential causes and risk factors that can lead to this disorder. These causes may include the following:

Psychological Factors: Somatization disorder is often associated with psychological stress, trauma or conflict. Problems in one's mental and emotional health can lead to the manifestation of physical symptoms in the body.

Personality Factors: Some people may have a tendency to attract attention, express emotional reactions or seek attention from others in a negative way. Such personality traits can increase the risk of somatization disorder.

Trauma History: A person's history of traumatic experiences or exposure to abuse can increase the risk of somatization disorder. The effects of such experiences can be expressed through body symptoms.

Somatic Focus: Excessive focus on and constant emphasis on one's physical symptoms can also contribute to somatization disorder.

Genetics and Family History: Family history and genetic factors can also influence the risk of somatization disorder.

Inadequate Medical Monitoring: If a person has had a medical problem or a serious illness in the past, this can increase susceptibility to somatization disorder.

How is Somatization Disorder Diagnosed?

Somatization disorder is diagnosed when a person considers that they are experiencing persistent and recurrent physical symptoms and seeks help from a specialist. The diagnostic steps include a physical examination, psychological evaluation, checking for compliance with diagnostic criteria and excluding other medical or psychiatric causes.

Specialists check for compliance with specific criteria that the symptoms are of psychological origin and rule out other factors. After diagnosis, psychotherapy and psychological interventions are recommended. Somatization disorder is important to understand the psychological factors underlying physical symptoms and to provide appropriate treatment.

Somatization Disorder Treatment

Treatment for somatization disorder can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the person's response. It is a psychiatric disorder characterized by somatic symptoms caused by psychological stress or emotional distress. This disorder can be treated and the stages of treatment include

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Treatment of somatization disorder usually begins with individual psychotherapy. This therapy helps the person to explore the underlying psychological causes of their symptoms. The therapist helps the person understand the emotional sources of their somatic symptoms and teaches them how to cope with these symptoms.

Medication Therapy: Medications are rarely used to treat somatization disorder. However, if symptoms become severe or are accompanied by other psychiatric disorders, psychiatric medications may be prescribed. These medications can help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Psychoeducation: Psychoeducation helps the person to understand the psychological roots of their symptoms. It teaches the person how to identify their symptoms, how to cope and make emotional adjustments. This can help the person to cope better with their symptoms.

Support Groups: Support groups can also be effective for people with somatization disorder. These groups encourage the sharing of experiences and can help the person to feel less alone.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At07 November 2023
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