Psychosomatics, deals with various types of bodily (somatic) complaints that have or may have a basis in the human psyche. Information on the role of psychological disorders in somatic problems has been around for a long time; official research into this problem began in the 20th century. These disorders affect both men and women, at different age ranges.
Table of contents:
- What are the theories explaining the emergence of psychosomatic disorders?
- What parts of the body are affected by psychosomatic disorders?
- How do we treat psychosomatic disorders?
What are the theories explaining the emergence of psychosomatic disorders?
At present, three theories are known about the causes of psychosomatic disorders. Among these are:
Theory I, states that prolonged, chronic psychological stress can have or has a significant effect on weakening certain organs of the body, which in turn can, for example, hurt
TheoryII, which posits that stresses of various intensities accompanying us on a daily basis can lead to the development of certain diseases (e.g. cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory)
Theory III, chronic psychological stress in combination with certain physiological predispositions can lead to psychosomatic disorders
Many researchers, in their studies of the causes of psychosomatic disorders, pay attention not only to the human psyche and physiology, but also to the role of social factors.
What parts of the body are affected by psychosomatic disorders?
Observations and studies show that psychosomatic disorders affect many systems, among them:
- vegetative (urticaria, allergies or the well-known atopic dermatitis)
- cardiovascular (e.g. coronary heart disease)
- respiratory system (bronchial asthma)
- digestive system (peptic ulcer disease)
- sleep problems and disorders
- diabetes
- obesity (selected types)
- eating difficulties and disorders
It has been shown that emotions can have a direct impact on the development of some psychosomatic disorders in other cases there may be many more factors causing them.
In many cases, patients do not connect their problems, e.g. sudden, persistent stomach pains, itchy skin, problems with food intake and digestion, with a stressful situation.
In fact, it can happen that pain or a change in the body may appear after a period of blue stress. Disorders from various systems are very often a response to repressed conflicts and conflicting emotions (fear, anxiety, anger, aggression).
What are psychosomatic disorders, photo: pantherstock
People with psychosomatic disorders are characterised by recurrent, acute or mild pains, after which the patient returns to normal, functional functioning.
How do you treat psychosomatic disorders?
Making a proper diagnosis and treating psychosomatic dis orders is quite difficult. This is related to the fact that the patient very often benefits from visits to different specialists, at different intervals, before he or she goes to psychotherapy.
Over time, the patient's constant complaining becomes a nuisance for his relatives and friends. It is then worth considering whether our loved one has emotional problems that cause somatic disorders.
